NEW DELHI: The Congress party on Monday criticised the welcome given to former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan by his fellow BJP MPs on Parliament premises, calling the developments “shameful”.

 

Jairam Ramesh, Congress MP and General Secretary in-charge Communications, took to social media to question whether the BJP considered Pradhan’s work commendable.

 

“Today, BJP MPs are welcoming former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as if he has achieved some great feat. The country has already seen how, instead of apologising for the paper leak in his resignation, Pradhan accused the students themselves of being misled, and after that, all central ministers praised him on social media. We believe that this entire episode is utterly shameful and a grave insult to the country's youth,” he said.

 

“The BJP should make it clear whether, despite the paper leaks, the crumbling education system, the lathi charges on students, and the firing of pellet guns, Pradhan's work was commendable?” asked the Congress MP.

 

“If not, then what is this honour for? And if yes, then does the BJP want to send this very message to the country's youth and students? The country demands answers,” said Ramesh.

 

Earlier, Pradhan’s arrival at Parliament triggered spontaneous slogan-shouting by his fellow BJP and NDA MPs. As the former Education Minister stepped out of his car, with folded hands, cries of “Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad” rent the air.

 

There were celebratory scenes around Pradhan as one of the MPs presented him with a traditional headgear and placed a shawl on his shoulders.

 

Pradhan had stepped down as the Union Education Minister on Saturday following weeks of protest by a social media-driven movement, Cockroach Janta Party, and supporting groups over NEET irregularities.

 

The CJP concluded its protest soon after Pradhan’s exit from the Union Cabinet.

 

Pralhad Joshi, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, took over the additional responsibility of the Education Ministry following the resignation of Pradhan.