'Defended Rapist': Priyanka Gandhi's Remarks On Pralhad Joshi Draws BJP's 'Character Assassination' Claim

Published 28 July 2026 · politics

'Defended Rapist': Priyanka Gandhi's Remarks On Pralhad Joshi Draws BJP's 'Character Assassination' Claim Published By, Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 18:01 IST Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

'Defended Rapist': Priyanka Gandhi's Remarks On Pralhad Joshi Draws BJP's 'Character Assassination' Claim Published By, Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 18:01 IST Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent the wrong message by appointing Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister. Priyanka Gandhi Calls Out Pralhad Joshi In Lok Sabha A sharp exchange broke out in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the appointment of Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, prompting the BJP to accuse her of making remarks amounting to “character assassination" and demand that they be removed from the House records. During the discussion, Priyanka Gandhi also attacked the Centre over the state of the education system, alleged increasing influence of the RSS in education, questioned the use of pellet guns on protesting students and took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Priyanka questions PM’s choice of Education Minister Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent the wrong message by appointing Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister. “Prime Minister Modi chose a new Education Minister (Pralhad Joshi) and appointed a person to this position who had expressed support for the release of the rapists of a pregnant woman. What message has the Prime Minister sent to the crores of girls in this country through this decision? The message is loud and clear. There is no ambiguity about it," she said with reference to the Bilkis Banu case. BJP demands apology Union Minister Kiren Rijiju immediately objected to the remarks, saying they amounted to character assassination and should not form part of the parliamentary record. “When Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was speaking earlier, she was interrupted in the House.

Even we have faced such interruptions in the past. But today, we are listening peacefully. However, the remarks made by her amount to character assassination, and we did not expect such language from her. The objectionable remarks made by her should be expunged from the records," Rijiju said. He also said such language should not be used in Parliament. “She is a senior leader of her party, though she has been elected for the first time. She should speak responsibly. If she cannot maintain the dignity of the House, then I believe she should apologise to the House," he added. The exchange led to heated scenes in Parliament. Pralhad Joshi also demanded action over what he described as the spread of misinformation. He said Priyanka Gandhi should apologise and that her remarks should be expunged from the proceedings. Joshi also said no concrete steps had been taken to stop paper leaks.