BJP greets Pradhan with ‘Zindabad’ slogans; Opposition counters with ‘Paper Chor’ jibe
Former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan faced a polarized reception in Parliament, with BJP supporters cheering him and opposition members labeling him 'Paper Chor' over the NEET exam controversy. The opposition criticized the government's proposed education reforms as ineffective.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the intense political friction surrounding the integrity of India's national examination systems.
BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned as Union Education Minister following students' protests over the NEET row, was welcomed by some BJP leaders in the Parliament complex on Monday (July 27, 2026) with a traditional cap and stole amid slogans like 'Pradhan Zindabad'.
Opposition MPs at the same time, shouted slogans like 'Chor Chor, Paper Chor' and hit out at the ruling dispensation for felicitating Mr. Pradhan.
Congress leader Pawan Khera said, "These are the same people who even welcomed the rapists in the Bilkis Bano case, so let's leave them aside. Pradhan is an RSS hero because he implemented the RSS agenda through the education ministry. That's why he's their hero. But as far as Pradhan is concerned, people now know his true self has we can see on social media and on roads."
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