Rahul Gandhi Criticises PM Modi Over Appointment of Prahlad Joshi as Education Minister
Congress leader questions the appointment, citing Prahlad Joshi's past remarks on the Bilkis Bano case and raises concerns over the government's commitment to women's safety.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the appointment of Prahlad Joshi as the Union Education Minister, referring to his past remarks on the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano case.
Speaking to the media during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government had chosen a person whose previous statements on the case raised serious concerns. He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to appoint Joshi to lead the Education Ministry.
Rahul Gandhi said that while students across the country have been protesting against flaws in the education system and demanding reforms, the government has entrusted the ministry to a leader who had defended the release of those convicted in the Bilkis Bano case. He also claimed that there were many other leaders in the cabinet who could have been given the responsibility.
The Congress party also released an old video that it claims shows Prahlad Joshi defending the early release of the Bilkis Bano case convicts, stating that the decision was taken through a legal process.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also raised the issue during a Lok Sabha debate on examination paper leaks and shortcomings in the education system. Her remarks led to protests from members of the ruling party, who demanded evidence to support her claims.
Responding to the objections, Priyanka Gandhi said she possesses the video of Prahlad Joshi’s remarks and would present it as evidence. She further accused the government of sending the wrong message by speaking about women’s rights while appointing leaders whose past statements, according to the Congress, undermine those values.
The controversy relates to the release of 11 men convicted in the Bilkis Bano case linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots. At the time, Prahlad Joshi defended the decision by referring to the convicts’ conduct in prison. In 2024, however, the Supreme Court of India cancelled the remission, declaring it unlawful, and directed all the convicts to return to prison.