Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Gandhis Slam Pralhad Joshi as Education Minister
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister.
They called him a 'defender of rapists' because he supported the early release of men convicted in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case.
The Gandhis also questioned the use of force against students protesting exam irregularities.
The BJP defended Joshi, saying his remarks were legal.
The Supreme Court later canceled the early release of the convicts.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister after protests over exam leaks and police actions.
Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi criticized Pralhad Joshi's appointment as Education Minister, calling him a 'defender of rapists'.
Joshi had supported the early release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case, which was later canceled by the Supreme Court.
Priyanka Gandhi questioned the use of pellet guns and tear gas against student protesters over exam irregularities.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister following protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
The BJP defended Joshi's appointment, stating his remarks were within the legal framework.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Pralhad Joshi, Narendra Modi, Amit Shah
- What
- Appointment of Pralhad Joshi as Education Minister, criticism over Bilkis Bano case remarks, protests over exam irregularities
- When
- July 28, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- Congress leaders criticized Joshi's appointment due to his past remarks on the Bilkis Bano case and the use of force against student protesters.
Congress Criticism
BJP Defense
Appointment of Pralhad Joshi
Congress Criticism
Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi criticized the appointment, calling Joshi a 'defender of rapists' due to his past remarks on the Bilkis Bano case.
BJP Defense
The BJP defended Joshi's appointment, stating that his remarks were made within the legal framework and that the Supreme Court later quashed the remission order.
Use of Force Against Protesters
Congress Criticism
Priyanka Gandhi questioned the use of pellet guns and tear gas against students protesting exam irregularities, demanding accountability from the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
BJP Defense
The BJP did not directly address the use of force but focused on the need for stricter action against paper leaks and exam malpractices.
- Appointment Date
- July 28, 2026
- Previous Education Minister
- Dharmendra Pradhan
- Bilkis Bano Case Year
- 2002
- Supreme Court Decision Year
- 2024
- Protest Location
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Protest Duration
- One month
- Protest Leaders
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- Protest Demands
- Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, reforms in education policy
Sources
New education minister ‘defender of rapists’: Rahul Gandhi blasts Pralhad Joshi
"Defender Of Rapists Is Education Minister": Rahul Gandhi Slams Pralhad Joshi
Gandhis hit out at Education Minister Pralhad Joshi
‘Most filthy’: Rahul Gandhi calls Pralhad Joshi 'defender of rapists' over Bilkis Bano convicts' release defence
'Filthiest Kind of Man': Gandhi Siblings Slam Centre's Choice of New Education Minister
‘Defender of rapists’: Rahul Gandhi attacks education minister Pralhad Joshi, cites Bilkis Bano case
