Congress Leaders Condemn BJP for Honoring Former Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Congress leaders led by Rahul Gandhi condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Parliament complex on July 28, 2026. The celebration, which included garlands and chants of "Pradhan Zindabad," occurred shortly after Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet on July 25 following nationwide protests over NEET paper leaks and examination irregularities.

Rahul Gandhi described Pradhan as a symbol of corruption and a ruined education system, alleging that the system claimed the lives of 26 children. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the reception "shameful," asserting that Pradhan's resignation was driven by fear of youth rage rather than morality. Similarly, MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized the National Democratic Alliance for honoring Pradhan as if he had returned from a war, noting that 21 children lost their lives during Pradhan's tenure.

During a parliamentary debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Gogoi further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of prioritizing social media reels over reform. He characterized the new legislation as a "monument to your failure," citing the recurrence of leaks despite existing laws and questioning the government's use of tear gas and pellet guns against student protesters.