Dharmendra Pradhan Welcomed at Bhubaneswar Airport After Resignation

Former Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan received a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, marking his first visit to Odisha since resigning from the Union Cabinet over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. He was greeted by a large gathering of BJP leaders, state ministers, MLAs, party workers, youth and student supporters. Reports indicate that at least five state ministers, 21 sitting MLAs, two former MLAs and several key organisational figures turned up to receive him, filling the airport premises with political slogans and cheers. After the airport reception, Dharmendra proceeded to his official residence in Bhubaneswar under tight security, with enthusiastic crowds lining the route.

Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign from the Union Cabinet?

Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Union Education Minister on July 25, taking moral responsibility for the irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3. The decision came after weeks of nationwide student protests, including demonstrations led by groups at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, which demanded accountability over the alleged paper leak. He stated in his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an open message to students that he felt pain over the developments and wanted to protect students’ futures from prolonged political and legal battles.

Baragada MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi said that Prime Minister Modi has recognised his contributions, referring to him as an “Odisha Ratna” (Gem of Odisha). He added that Dharmendra Pradhan had risen through the ranks of student politics and understands student organisations deeply across the country. He also noted that the former minister’s primary objective is to safeguard students and ensure that anti-social or anti-national elements are not allowed to harm the interests of the youth or the nation.

A day before his arrival in Bhubaneswar, Dharmendra Pradhan had been given a hero’s welcome by party colleagues in Parliament.

Who greeted him at Bhubaneswar airport?

A large gathering of BJP leaders, state ministers, MLAs, party workers, youth and student supporters assembled at Biju Patnaik International Airport to welcome Dharmendra Pradhan on his arrival. According to reports, at least five state ministers, 21 sitting MLAs, two former MLAs and several key organisational figures were present, filling the airport premises with political slogans and cheers.

Baragada MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi told the media, “Today is a moment of great joy for all of us. Our leader, Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has returned to his motherland, and party workers from across the state have assembled here to extend their full support.”

He highlighted Dharmendra’s dedicated service in the Narendra Modi-led central government.

Supporters shouted political slogans and cheered inside the airport premises.

What happened after the airport welcome?

Following the airport welcome, Dharmendra Pradhan proceeded to his official residence in Bhubaneswar under tight security, with enthusiastic crowds lining the route.

BJP MLA Pratap Chandra Pradhan added, “Every person in Odisha holds Dharmendra Pradhan in high regard. He is widely respected. Much of the development here has been carried out under his leadership. During Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, he has done significant work in the field of education, and that is evident to everyone. The Opposition may claim that they forced his resignation, but Dharmendra Pradhan is a man of development.”

He also noted that the entire Odisha BJP team and its elected representatives stand firmly with Dharmendra Pradhan and pray to Lord Jagannath for his bright future and continued leadership in the service of the state and the nation.

He had earlier expressed pain over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and stressed the need to safeguard students’ futures from prolonged political and legal battles.