New Delhi, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A political row erupted on Wednesday after the NDA demanded an apology from Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over remarks made against Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The controversy arose after Priyanka Gandhi made comments targeting the newly appointed Education Minister during the debate, which were later supported by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Union Minister and Republican Party of India (A) chief Ramdas Athawale termed the remarks “false allegations” and defended Joshi, describing him as a senior BJP leader with a long political career in Karnataka.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti also criticised the Congress leaders, alleging that attempts were being made to malign Joshi’s image soon after he assumed charge as Education Minister. He said the allegations were made without evidence.
BJP MP Satish Poonia accused Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi of making politically motivated remarks, while party MP Manoj Tigga said making such allegations against the Education Minister inside Parliament was inappropriate and demanded that both Congress leaders issue a public apology.
BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi also attacked the Congress, alleging that the party was trying to politicise the issue instead of focusing on students’ concerns.
The INDIA bloc, however, rallied behind Priyanka Gandhi.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said her remarks referred to the Bilkis Bano case and claimed that Pralhad Joshi had supported the release of the convicts, adding that this was why the issue had been raised.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari defended Priyanka Gandhi’s comments, claiming that reports regarding Joshi’s alleged stand had appeared in newspapers.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji also backed the Congress leader, saying she believed Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks would have been based on facts and made with students’ welfare in mind.
The exchange added to the acrimonious debate in the Lok Sabha, with the ruling alliance and the Opposition trading sharp accusations over the conduct and remarks made during discussions on the anti-paper leak legislation.
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