What happened: Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Prahlad Joshi’s Union Education Minister appointment

Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appointment of Prahlad Joshi as Union Education Minister. Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prahlad Joshi defended rapists and used highly abusive language, calling Prahlad Joshi the “most filthy” type of man. Rahul Gandhi also linked these allegations to 2022-connected claims about remarks after the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case.

Rahul Gandhi later posted on X, alleging that Prahlad Joshi’s appointment insulted India’s education system and students, especially young women.

Background and earlier position: Bilkis Bano linkage and a separate Lok Sabha expunction episode

Rahul Gandhi’s criticism ties Prahlad Joshi’s alleged past statements to the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case context by referencing 2022 as the timeline after which Rahul Gandhi says the alleged remarks were made.

What changed now: controversy attached to a new Union ministry role