New Delhi, July 28, 2026 : Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday strongly criticized BJP Members of Parliament for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inside the Parliament complex shortly after his resignation, calling the gesture “shameful” and accusing the ruling party of ignoring the concerns of protesting students.
Pradhan, who stepped down as Education Minister following widespread student protests over examination-related issues, was welcomed by several BJP MPs with a traditional cap, stole and chants of “Pradhan Zindabad” just two days after his resignation.
The event triggered sharp protests from Opposition MPs, who raised slogans including “Chor, Chor, Paper Chor”, accusing the government of celebrating a leader who resigned amid a major education crisis.
“Welcomed Like a Superstar”
Reacting to the felicitation, Priyanka Gandhi questioned the BJP’s decision to honour Pradhan despite the circumstances surrounding his resignation.
“Don’t you think it is shameful? Everyone saw the circumstances under which Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, but yesterday in the Parliament premises, he was welcomed as if he were a superstar,” she said.
Questions Government’s Handling of Student Protests
The Congress leader also alleged that the government continues to harass students instead of addressing their grievances.
She claimed that students, including women protesters, were being targeted on social media and questioned whether the government intended to engage in dialogue or continue suppressing dissent.
“No one can trust the Modi Government because even today students are being harassed. Do you want to resolve this issue through dialogue, or are you still trying to suppress the students? This is wrong,” she said.
Rahul Gandhi Joins Criticism
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the reception accorded to Pradhan.
In a post on X, Rahul alleged that Pradhan had become a symbol of a failed education system and asserted that his resignation came not out of moral responsibility but due to mounting pressure from protesting youth.
He further criticized BJP leaders for honouring the former minister inside Parliament, saying the move reflected disregard for the struggles of lakhs of students affected by examination controversies.
The remarks come amid continuing political confrontation between the BJP and the Opposition over education reforms, alleged paper leaks and the government’s handling of student protests.
