Priyanka Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Pralhad Joshi's Appointment, Kiren Rijiju Demands Apology in Lok Sabha

A high-voltage political clash broke out on the floor of the Lok Sabha as Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to the Education Ministry. The opposition’s fierce attack triggered a sharp rebuttal from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who accused the Congress leader of "character assassination" and demanded a formal apology.

Addressing the House during a stormy session, Priyanka Gandhi questioned the government's choice of leadership for the country's education sector. She alleged that the newly appointed minister had previously expressed support for individuals involved in the gang rape of a pregnant woman—referencing past controversies surrounding the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano case. By Removing ‘Pradhan’, You Saved Pradhan Mantri’: Akhilesh Yadav Takes Dig at Centre Over NEET-UG Paper Leak in Lok Sabha (Video).

"Prime Minister Modi chose a new Education Minister and appointed a person to this position who had expressed support for the release of the rapists of a pregnant woman," Gandhi said. "What message has the Prime Minister sent to the crores of girls in this country through this decision? The message is loud and clear." The remarks immediately drew strong objections from the treasury benches. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju interrupted the address, terming the criticism inappropriate and unparliamentary for the floor of the House.

"When Smt 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," Rijiju stated. "However, the remarks made by her amount to character assassination, and we did not expect such language from her." Rijiju urged the Chair to expunge the objectionable statements from parliamentary records and called on the first-time lawmaker to adhere to established decorum. "She is a senior leader of her party... She should speak responsibly. If she cannot maintain the dignity of the House, then I believe she should apologise," he added. Pralhad Joshi Assumes Charge as Union Minister for Education.

'What Message Has PM Sent to India's Daughters?'

VIDEO | Parliament: Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "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… pic.twitter.com/XYRzI7qEdQ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 28, 2026

The confrontation in Parliament comes against the backdrop of intense political friction and nationwide student agitations over examination paper leaks and irregularities in competitive tests like NEET-UG. Following weeks of student demonstrations, hunger strikes, and persistent opposition demands for accountability, Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the role of Union Education Minister. In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Modi reassigned the portfolio to senior BJP leader and Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi to stabilize the ministry and oversee crucial examination reforms.

However, the leadership transition failed to quiet the opposition. Members of the opposition alliance have continued to stage protests inside and outside the Parliament complex, accusing the Centre of mishandling student welfare and questioning the moral authority of the new cabinet appointments. The recent exchange in the Lok Sabha underlines how the ongoing turmoil over educational governance and political accountability continues to stall parliamentary proceedings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).