NEW DELHI — Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a rousing welcome from ruling BJP and NDA MPs upon arriving at Parliament House on Monday. The grand reception followed his resignation over the weekend, a move party leaders have framed as an act of high political accountability and sacrifice in the national interest.

Stepping out of his car with a smile and folded hands, Pradhan was swarmed by cheering lawmakers who showered him with slogans of “Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad.” Supporters placed a traditional cap on his head and draped a shawl across his shoulders, demonstrating staunch solidarity with the senior leader from Odisha.

The resignation comes on the heels of mounting political pressure and protests regarding the NEET paper leak controversy. Addressing the situation, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh reportedly remarked to Pradhan, “It happens.”

Unfazed, Pradhan shot back, “Nothing happened. I am a street fighter, not an AC-room activist.”

Top party leadership, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and party chief Nitin Nabin, have heavily endorsed the reforms Pradhan initiated during his tenure, emphasizing that his departure highlights the government’s commitment to protecting the future of the nation’s youth.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Pradhan expressed deep pain over the recent events, writing, “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.”

Political analysts speculate that Pradhan, known for his instrumental role in shaping electoral victories across multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana, may soon be assigned a pivotal role within the party organization or tasked with spearheading upcoming state assembly election campaigns.