Rahul attacks PM Modi over appointment of Pralhad Joshi as Education Minister

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as Union Education Minister, describing him as a “defender of rapists” and “the most filthy type of man”.

Mr. Gandhi’s objections were over Mr. Joshi’s purported remarks after the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case in 2022.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Mr. Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister’s choice at a time when students across the country were protesting over the NEET-UG paper leak and the police were cracking down on demonstrators.

“The Education Minister of India — who, after all these young people were protesting about the education system and so many young girls were protesting and were beaten and thrashed- the BJP puts a man who is a defender of rapists. That is the most filthy type of man. There can be no filthier man than somebody who says that rapists need protection. That is the Education Minister of India today,” he said.

“It is strange. It’s a strange reaction from the Prime Minister. There are so many people in his Cabinet; he could have chosen any one of them. But he chooses a person who protects rapists. It’s quite amazing,” Mr. Gandhi added.

In a post on X later, Mr. Gandhi reiterated his criticism and alleged that Mr. Joshi’s appointment was “an insult to our education system” and to students, particularly young women.

Earlier, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made a controversial remark about Mr. Joshi during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill. The comment drew protests from Treasury Bench members and was later expunged by Speaker Om Birla.