Dharmendra Pradhan returns to Odisha after resigning as Union minister, gets grand welcome from BJP
- Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister and returned to Odisha.
- He was welcomed by BJP leaders with garlands and celebrations in his home state.
- Opposition attacked BJP for felicitating a minister who resigned over moral responsibility.
- The resignation is seen as part of a larger political strategy by the Modi government.
Return to home turf
Dharmendra Pradhan landed in Odisha on Tuesday, hours after submitting his resignation as Union education minister. BJP leaders and workers gathered at the airport to welcome him with garlands and chants. The former minister smiled and waved at the crowd before being driven away in a convoy.
Pradhan's return marks a significant shift. He had held the education portfolio since 2014 and was one of the most prominent faces of the Modi government from Odisha. His resignation, announced earlier in the day, took many by surprise.
Why he resigned
Sources indicate that Pradhan offered to step down after taking political and moral responsibility for a controversy that had been brewing for weeks. The exact nature of the controversy has not been officially detailed, but reports suggest it was linked to a policy decision in the education sector that drew widespread criticism.
The Prime Minister accepted the resignation swiftly. In his letter, Pradhan is believed to have stated that he did not want the issue to become a distraction for the government. The BJP has praised his decision, calling it a mark of accountability.
Celebration and criticism
At a public event in Bhubaneswar later in the day, leaders heaped praise on Pradhan. One senior BJP leader said, "He has set an example for politicians across parties." Party workers distributed sweets and burst crackers outside the state headquarters.
The opposition was quick to mock the celebrations. Congress spokesperson said, "He has been garlanded as if he won a war. The reality is that he was forced to resign after his failure became public. This is not a victory, it is an attempt to whitewash failure." The Trinamool Congress also questioned the optics, asking why a minister who resigned in disgrace was being treated like a hero.
What happens next
Pradhan is likely to stay active in Odisha politics. He remains a key strategist for the BJP in the state, where the party is trying to expand its footprint. The education ministry will now be handled by another minister until a full-time replacement is named.
Pradhan's next move will be watched closely. He could be given a new role within the party or be fielded for a larger responsibility in the coming months. For now, the former minister is back home, and the BJP is keen to project his resignation as a strength rather than a setback.