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

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for appointing Pralhad Joshi as the Union Education Minister. Gandhi labeled Joshi a 'defender of rapists' due to his past remarks regarding the Bilkis Bano case, arguing the appointment is an insult to students amid ongoing protests over the NEET-UG paper leak.
Why it matters
The appointment of a high-profile cabinet minister has become a flashpoint for political confrontation, highlighting deep tensions between the government and the opposition regarding educational integrity and moral accountability in governance.
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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in