India’s Education Minister Pralhad Joshi Accused of Defending Rapists by Congress Leaders

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have protested against India’s new Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, accusing him of defending rapists. During a Lok Sabha session, Priyanka Gandhi raised these allegations, which Minister Joshi denied on the floor. He subsequently issued an apology under Rule 353. Meanwhile, parliamentarians reached a consensus to extend the discussion on the Public Examination (Amendment) Bill, 2026, related to paper leaks, to eight hours. Kathmandu, 13 Shrawan.

The statement by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the new Education Minister, Pralhad Joshi, sparked significant controversy. Joshi was assigned the education portfolio on Saturday following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Outside parliament, Rahul Gandhi accused Joshi of supporting the release of rapists, including those who assaulted pregnant women.

Rahul Gandhi said, “After the education minister resigned, students protested and were beaten with batons. Subsequently, the BJP appointed a person in the cabinet who defends rapists.” He added, “The Prime Minister’s response to this is unusual.” In response, Pralhad Joshi stated in the Lok Sabha, “Madam Priyanka must provide proof, otherwise action should be taken against her for spreading false information.”

The monsoon session of parliament was highly eventful on Tuesday. Discussions began in the Lok Sabha on the ‘Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill, 2026,’ concerning paper leaks. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that all parties agreed to extend the allotted six hours of debate by an additional two hours, making it eight hours in total.