The Centre reportedly offered to change Dharmendra Pradhan’s portfolio, but the CJP rejected the proposal and demanded his resignation over the NEET paper leak controversy. Pradhan later received a strong show of support from NDA MPs in Parliament as the Opposition protested alleged police action against students.
Dharmendra Pradhan Portfolio Change Offer Rejected By CJP
The Cockroach Janata Party reportedly rejected an offer from the Centre to change Dharmendra Pradhan’s ministerial portfolio instead of removing him from the Union Cabinet, according to sources cited in a media report.
The proposal was allegedly discussed during a meeting between a CJP delegation and Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Saturday. Government negotiators are said to have argued that changing a minister’s portfolio or removing a minister from office remained entirely within the Prime Minister’s authority.
However, the CJP representatives reportedly refused to accept a portfolio reshuffle as a compromise. The delegation maintained that Pradhan’s resignation as Education Minister was the only outcome that could address the anger surrounding the alleged NEET examination paper leak and the nationwide student protests that followed.
Pradhan later resigned from the Union Cabinet, marking a significant political development after days of demonstrations, parliamentary disruption and demands for accountability from students and Opposition parties.
BJP Leaders Give Pradhan Grand Welcome In Parliament
On Monday, BJP and NDA MPs gathered near Parliament’s Makar Dwar to welcome Pradhan in a public display of support following his resignation. Party colleagues escorted him into the Parliament complex, greeted him warmly and presented him with a ceremonial cap.
The reception was seen as an attempt by the ruling alliance to express solidarity with the former Education Minister despite the political pressure that led to his exit.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, who had previously called for Pradhan’s resignation, also approached him inside Parliament and expressed sympathy. During their brief exchange, Pradhan reportedly described himself as a “street fighter” and rejected suggestions that the controversy had politically weakened him.
The scenes highlighted the contrasting positions inside Parliament, with NDA members standing behind Pradhan while Opposition parties continued to question the government’s handling of the examination controversy and student demonstrations.
Opposition Protests Alleged Police Action Against Students
Opposition MPs led by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staged a protest over the alleged use of excessive police force against students during demonstrations in Delhi and other parts of the country.
Raising the slogan “Shiksha Chori,” meaning theft of education, the protesting MPs demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. They accused security personnel of using disproportionate force against young people who had gathered to demand transparency and accountability in the examination system.
The protest came after several days of disruption during the Monsoon Session, with Opposition parties seeking a detailed parliamentary discussion on the NEET controversy, police action and the government’s response to alleged examination irregularities.
Anti-Paper Leak Bill Proposes Tougher Punishment
The political confrontation unfolded as Parliament prepared to discuss the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen India’s anti-paper leak framework by introducing tougher penalties for organised examination fraud. According to the reported provisions, the maximum prison sentence for serious offences could increase from five years to 10 years, while offenders could face fines of up to Rs 50 lakh.
The bill was tabled amid protests and demands for stronger safeguards to protect students and restore confidence in public examinations. The NEET controversy, which triggered widespread youth demonstrations, also became the central issue behind the CJP-led campaign demanding Pradhan’s removal. With the CJP rejecting the reported portfolio-change compromise and continuing to insist on full political accountability, Pradhan’s resignation has emerged as one of the most significant developments of the Monsoon Session.
