What happened
Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Prahlad Joshi as Union Education Minister. Gandhi alleged that Prahlad Joshi defended rapists and linked Joshi’s alleged stance to events around the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case in 2022. Gandhi said the appointment reflected poorly on education and argued that Modi could have chosen other ministers.
Rahul Gandhi also posted on X alleging that Prahlad Joshi’s appointment insults students, particularly young women. Gandhi referenced the NEET-UG controversy, with student protests underway over an alleged paper leak.
Background and earlier position
Rahul Gandhi’s criticism is built on an allegation about Prahlad Joshi’s conduct in relation to the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case and the 2022 release of convicts. The NEET-UG controversy cited by Rahul Gandhi reflects a recurring pattern in Indian education governance where exam-related disputes trigger public protests and questions about fairness in assessment.
What changed now
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