Hero's welcome for Dharmendra Pradhan in Parliament after resignation over NEET row

The show of support came as the ruling alliance rallied behind the senior Odisha leader, projecting his resignation as an act of political accountability rather than a setback.

BJP MPs cheer former minister

As Pradhan stepped out of his vehicle at the Parliament House complex, BJP MPs surrounded him, chanting "Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad".

Smiling and greeting colleagues with folded hands, the Sambalpur MP made his way through a jubilant crowd of lawmakers.

One MP draped him with a traditional shawl and placed a ceremonial cap on his head as others applauded and embraced him.

One BJP MP remarked that it was perhaps the first instance of a Union Minister resigning without facing any personal allegations.

Exchange with Congress MP

Pradhan also had a brief exchange with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

"It happens," Ramesh said as the former minister entered Parliament.

Responding with a smile, Pradhan said, "Nothing happened. I am a street fighter, not an AC-room activist."

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded the nationwide agitation over the NEET paper leak, had made Pradhan's resignation one of its principal demands.

Resignation framed as 'national interest'

In his resignation statement posted on X on Saturday, Pradhan said he was deeply saddened by the developments surrounding the examination controversy.

"I am pained to see the events of the past 10 days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me," he wrote.

Emphasising the importance of protecting students' interests, he added, "India's youth power is the real strength of this nation. My resolve is that we will not let the country's youth get trapped in a vicious cycle of confusion."

Senior BJP leaders have since described his resignation as an example of political accountability, sacrifice and commitment to the national interest.

Bigger role ahead?

The enthusiastic reception has fuelled speculation that Pradhan could soon be entrusted with a major organisational responsibility within the BJP or lead the party's campaign in the upcoming Assembly elections in five states.

Party insiders believe his resignation has strengthened rather than diminished his political standing, with supporters portraying the move as a sacrifice made to protect the government's credibility.

Soon after he resigned, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Pradhan's residence, while senior leaders, including BJP president Nitin Nabin and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, publicly praised the education reforms introduced during his tenure.

Key strategist for the BJP

Beyond his ministerial responsibilities, Pradhan has been one of the BJP's most influential election strategists.

He served as the party's in-charge for the Bihar Assembly elections and has previously overseen campaigns in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

BJP leaders also credit him with playing an important role in the party's victories in Haryana and Odisha, as well as in strengthening the organisation in West Bengal.

Odisha influence intact

Political observers believe Pradhan's resignation is unlikely to weaken his influence in Odisha.

Apart from Jual Oram, he was the only Cabinet minister from the state. Since 2014, Pradhan has been instrumental in expanding the BJP's footprint in Odisha and is widely credited with the party's breakthrough victory in the 2024 Assembly elections.

Party sources say a majority of the BJP's 78 MLAs in Odisha and a significant section of the state Cabinet remain closely aligned with him, suggesting his organisational clout within the state unit remains firmly intact despite his exit from the Union Cabinet.