Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made a confident return to Parliament on Monday, just days after stepping down from the Education Ministry amid the controversy surrounding the NEET paper leak.

As Pradhan arrived at Parliament House, several BJP and NDA MPs gathered to welcome him. The Odisha MP acknowledged the gathering with folded hands before walking through the crowd as supporters raised slogans in his favour.

The show of support continued as MPs surrounded Pradhan, with one member placing a traditional cap on his head and another draping a shawl around his shoulders.

During the interaction, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh reportedly told Pradhan, "It happens." Pradhan responded firmly, saying, "Nothing happened," before adding, "I am a street fighter, not an AC-room activist."

Pradhan's resignation on Saturday came after sustained protests over the NEET examination controversy. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had led the agitation, had listed his removal as one of its key demands.

Despite his exit from the Union Cabinet, BJP leaders and supporters have rallied behind Pradhan. One ruling-party MP reportedly described his resignation as unusual, arguing that he had stepped down without being personally accused of wrongdoing.

There is now speculation about Pradhan's next political assignment. Party sources believe he could take on a significant organisational role within the BJP or be entrusted with responsibilities for the party's campaign in upcoming Assembly elections.

His supporters have portrayed the resignation as a sacrifice made in the larger national interest, arguing that it could further enhance his political standing in Odisha and nationally.

In a statement posted on X after resigning, Pradhan said he was deeply troubled by the developments of the previous 10 days but maintained that the decision was not about personal prestige. He also stressed that India's youth are central to the country's future and said efforts must be made to prevent young people from being caught in uncertainty and confusion.

Pradhan's Role in BJP's Electoral Strategy

Pradhan has remained an important figure in the BJP's political and organisational structure, with experience in handling key electoral assignments across several states.

He was involved in the party's strategy for the Bihar Assembly elections and had earlier played a role in the BJP's campaign in West Bengal. His organisational responsibilities have also included states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

Following his resignation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Pradhan at his residence. Several senior BJP leaders have also backed his contribution to the education sector and highlighted the reforms undertaken during his tenure.

Within the party, Pradhan's resignation is being viewed by some leaders as an example of political accountability rather than a reflection of any decline in his influence.

The 57-year-old leader's departure from the Union Cabinet could, however, have implications for the political dynamics of the Odisha BJP. Along with Jual Oram, Pradhan was one of the state's two Cabinet ministers in the Union government.

Party insiders maintain that his influence in Odisha is unlikely to be affected by the resignation. Pradhan has been instrumental in expanding the BJP's political footprint in the state since 2014 and was considered an important figure behind the party's strong performance in the 2024 Assembly elections.

A significant number of BJP MLAs in Odisha are believed to share close political ties with Pradhan, while several members of the state Cabinet are also considered part of his wider political network.

As the BJP prepares for its next round of electoral challenges, Pradhan's future role within the party is likely to attract considerable attention.