'PM Appointed a Minister Who Backed Rapists' Release': Priyanka Gandhi's Remarks Expunged From Lok Sabha Record

In a heated session of Parliament on Tuesday, the Lok Sabha Secretariat expunged remarks made by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra targeting Union Minister Pralhad Joshi during a debate on examination reforms. The Chair ordered the removal of the specific statements from the official House record following loud protests from the Treasury benches, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who cited allegations of "character assassination" and violations of parliamentary decorum.

What Priyanka Gandhi Said in the House

Speaking during the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Priyanka Gandhi took sharp aim at the government over the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak fallout. She directly questioned the decision to appoint Pralhad Joshi as the country’s new Education Minister. In her address, Vadra alleged that the government had entrusted the critical ministry to an individual who had previously expressed approval regarding the release of men convicted in the 2002 Bilkis Bano gang-rape case. Priyanka Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Pralhad Joshi's Appointment, Kiren Rijiju Demands Apology in Lok Sabha.

"The Prime Minister appointed a new Education Minister, a person who expressed consent and even happiness over the release of those convicted of raping a pregnant woman," Vadra remarked during the proceedings, referring to past comments attributed to Joshi from 2022.

Why the Chair Expunged the Statement

The Congress MP’s comments sparked immediate uproar on the floor of the House. Senior cabinet members objected vehemently, demanding an apology and requesting the Speaker to expunge the remarks. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stood up to intervene, stating that making sweeping personal allegations against a sitting minister without prior notice or verified authentication violates parliamentary conventions.

"This amounts to character assassination within Parliament, and we do not expect such language. These statements should be expunged from the record, and such language should not be used in the House," Rijiju stated. 'Who Ordered Pellet Guns on Protesters? PM Modi, Home Minister Must Answer': Priyanka Gandhi (Video).

Minister Pralhad Joshi himself refuted the allegations, challenging Vadra to authenticate her claims or tender an apology for spreading misinformation. Under Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha—which empowers the Speaker to remove words deemed defamatory, unparliamentary, or undignified—the Chair subsequently directed that the controversial portions of her speech be expunged from the official records.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation and NEET Protests

The political storm in Parliament follows weeks of nationwide student demonstrations over paper leaks and irregularities surrounding national competitive examinations. The mounting pressure led to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister last week. Pradhan’s exit triggered a cabinet shuffle, leading to Pralhad Joshi taking over the portfolio.

During her speech, Priyanka Gandhi also criticized the government's response to youth protests, condemning police action against student demonstrators in New Delhi and taking a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public outreach.

"If you want to regain the trust of Gen Z, shooting videos from multiple camera angles won't help. The Prime Minister should change the angle of his heart, not his camera," Vadra remarked.

While the government has reiterated its commitment to institutional reforms by tabling stringent amendments to the anti-paper leak law, the Opposition maintains that changing ministers is insufficient without strict systemic accountability.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 08:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).