NDA Demands Apology from Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Over Remarks Against Education Minister Pralhad Joshi

New Delhi, July 2026 : A political storm erupted in Parliament on Wednesday after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) demanded an unconditional apology from Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over remarks made against newly appointed Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The controversy began after Priyanka Gandhi targeted Pralhad Joshi during the Lok Sabha debate on examination reforms, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi later backing her comments. The BJP and its allies strongly objected to the statements, describing them as baseless, defamatory and an attempt to divert attention from the discussion on students and examination reforms.

Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale condemned the remarks, asserting that the allegations against the Education Minister were completely false and politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters inside the Parliament complex, Athawale said Pralhad Joshi has been an active leader in Karnataka politics for several decades and has earned his position through public service and political commitment.

“Such allegations are absolutely baseless and unacceptable. Pralhad Joshi has worked for many years in public life and has built his reputation through dedication. Making false accusations against him is not right,” Athawale said.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti also defended the Education Minister, accusing the Opposition of resorting to “character assassination” as a political strategy.

He said education is an extremely sensitive subject and alleged that attempts were being made to weaken the new minister immediately after he assumed office.

“Pralhad Joshi has just taken charge, and efforts have already begun to target him without any evidence. These accusations are baseless and will not succeed,” Tenneti said.

BJP MP Satish Poonia echoed similar sentiments, contrasting the political journeys of the Gandhi siblings and the Education Minister.

He said Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi inherited politics, whereas Pralhad Joshi rose through years of hard work, organisational commitment and grassroots politics.

“Such statements only expose the mindset of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi,” Poonia remarked.

BJP MP Manoj Tigga also called for a public apology from the Congress leaders, saying Parliament is a sacred institution where unsubstantiated allegations should not be made.

“Making baseless accusations against the Union Education Minister inside Parliament is inappropriate. Those who made these remarks should apologise publicly,” Tigga said.

Another BJP MP, Shashank Mani Tripathi, accused the Congress of trying to politicise the issue of examination reforms instead of focusing on students’ interests.

“They are not concerned about students or the education system. Their only objective is to gain political mileage. Having failed politically, they now believe protests and controversies are the only way to remain relevant,” he alleged.

However, leaders of the INDIA bloc defended Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks and rejected the NDA’s criticism.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said the Congress leader had referred to issues that were already part of the public domain. He argued that the comments related to the Bilkis Bano case and maintained that Pralhad Joshi had earlier supported the release of the convicts, making the issue relevant for public discussion.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also stood firmly behind Priyanka Gandhi, asserting that her statements were based on reports published in reputed newspapers.

“What Priyanka Gandhi said is true. If these facts were reported publicly, there is no reason for anyone to object to raising them in Parliament,” Tiwari said.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji likewise defended the Congress MP, stating that Priyanka Gandhi would not have made such remarks without factual basis.

She added that anyone appointed as Education Minister should command public confidence and remain committed to safeguarding students’ interests.

The exchange further intensified the sharp political confrontation between the NDA and the Opposition during the ongoing Monsoon Session, with both sides accusing each other of politicising issues related to education and students while debating the government’s proposed anti-paper leak legislation.