A fresh political confrontation erupted on Tuesday after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi over his past comments on the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi questioned the decision to hand Joshi the Education Ministry, particularly at a time when students and young people have been protesting over concerns surrounding the examination system.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government's choice of Joshi was inappropriate and accused the minister of having previously defended those convicted in the Bilkis Bano case. He also referred to the treatment of women who had participated in protests over examination-related issues.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had selected Joshi for the portfolio when several other members of the Union Cabinet could have been given the responsibility.

Rahul Gandhi's comments followed similar allegations made by his sister and fellow Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day. Joshi strongly rejected the accusations and called for Priyanka Gandhi to apologise.

During the heated exchange in Parliament, Joshi said allegations against him should be backed by verified facts. He accused the Congress MP of spreading misinformation and argued that public representatives should not make unsubstantiated statements.

The controversy centres on comments Joshi made in 2022 regarding the Gujarat government's decision to grant remission to the 11 men convicted in the Bilkis Bano gangrape and murder case. At the time, Joshi had said the release was carried out under the applicable law and the state's remission policy.

The Supreme Court subsequently overturned the remission decision and directed the convicts to return to prison.

Parliament Takes Up Anti-Paper Leak Bill

The political clash unfolded as the Lok Sabha resumed legislative business following days of disruption and began debating amendments aimed at strengthening the law against examination-related malpractice.

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh described the proposed legislation as evidence of the government's commitment to protecting students and young people from unfair practices in competitive and public examinations.

Speaking during the discussion on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Singh said the government had moved forward with legislation to address examination fraud and malpractice.

The debate comes shortly after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Education Minister following sustained student protests over the NEET paper leak controversy.

Following Pradhan's resignation, Pralhad Joshi was assigned additional responsibility for the Education Ministry.

The political confrontation over Joshi's appointment and his past comments unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing parliamentary debate on examination reforms, with the government seeking stronger legal measures to prevent paper leaks and other unfair practices.