After Resignation Dharmendra Pradhan Declares Himself a Street Fighter
Indiadailyupdate.com – After resignation Dharmendra Pradhan declares himself a “street fighter” rather than an “AC room activist,” making a bold statement about his political identity following his departure from the Union Education Ministry. The former minister’s declaration came on Monday as he was welcomed by NDA lawmakers at Parliament’s Makar Dwar entrance, where fellow MPs presented him with a traditional cap and stole while chanting “Pradhan Zindabad” slogans.
The warm reception from ruling party members stood in stark contrast to the shouts of “Chor, Chor, Paper Chor” from Congress and opposition MPs, who criticized the coalition for felicitating Pradhan amid the ongoing controversy surrounding NEET paper leaks. Senior Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh approached the former education minister during this charged atmosphere, offering sympathy with a simple “It happens.”
Pradhan’s Response and Political Stance
Responding to Ramesh’s gesture, Pradhan firmly stated, “Nothing happened. I am a street fighter. Not an AC room activist.” This declaration has resonated with many who view his political career as one marked by grassroots engagement rather than comfort in bureaucratic positions. The former minister’s words came as Ramesh later took to social media platform X to comment on what he perceived as excessive celebration of Pradhan’s departure.
Ramesh’s post highlighted several concerns, noting that “the country has already seen how, instead of apologising for the paper leak in his resignation, Pradhan accused the students themselves of being misled.” He questioned whether the BJP’s recognition of Pradhan’s work was appropriate given multiple issues including paper leaks, a crumbling education system, lathi charges on students, and pellet gun firings.
The Congress leader posed critical questions in his Hindi post: “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? 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?”
“I am a street fighter. Not an AC room activist.” – Dharmendra Pradhan’s declaration following his resignation from the Education Ministry.
While Pradhan did not immediately respond to reporters regarding the new anti-paper leak bill or his resignation, the legislative response has been swift. On Monday, the Centre introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing stricter penalties for paper leak cases.
The new legislation suggests that investigations into paper leak cases must be completed within two months, with offenders facing imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines reaching ₹50 lakh. This comprehensive approach to addressing examination fraud comes at a time when public confidence in India’s education system faces significant challenges.
As political debates continue over Pradhan’s legacy and the broader education reforms needed, his self-identification as a street fighter rather than an AC room activist may serve as a defining moment in his political journey. The former minister’s words reflect a commitment to active engagement and resilience in the face of criticism and controversy.
