Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a hero's welcome from NDA MPs, just days after stepping down from the Union Cabinet amid the escalating NEET paper leak controversy. Pradhan entered Parliament to loud slogans, applause and a symbolic show of solidarity from NDA lawmakers, signalling the ruling alliance's continued support despite his resignation. According to Pradhan, his decision to step down was taken to prevent what he described as "anti-national forces" from exploiting the issue and to allow the government to focus on reforms. At the same time, the Opposition launched a fierce protest inside and outside Parliament. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led demonstrations over the alleged police action against students during recent protests. Opposition MPs also raised "Shiksha Chori" slogans targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding answers over the alleged police action during the July 20 student demonstrations and the criminal cases registered against protesters. WATCH

The Jharkhand paper leak protest has intensified, with students continuing their agitation in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, a CBI probe or an independent inquiry by retired High Court judges from outside the state, along with major reforms in the recruitment process.