Dharmendra Pradhan Felicitation Sparks Political Row After Resignation

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's recent felicitation by BJP MPs in New Delhi has ignited a political controversy, with the Congress party accusing the ruling party of treating him as a 'superstar' despite electoral setbacks. The event, which saw Pradhan garlanded and greeted with loud cheers, came just days after he resigned as a minister following the BJP's poor performance in the Delhi assembly elections. Pradhan, a key BJP face from Odisha, had overseen the party's campaign in Delhi. His resignation was seen as an acceptance of responsibility for the defeat. However, the lavish felicitation by his parliamentary colleagues raised questions about the party's internal messaging. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed the gesture, saying it showed a disconnect with public sentiment. Political analysts note that Pradhan remains an influential figure within the BJP, particularly in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, where he has cultivated strong organizational ties. His resignation may be symbolic rather than a permanent retreat, as the BJP faces upcoming elections in several states. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between accountability and party loyalty within the ruling party.