Congress objects to Pralhad Joshi holding Education portfolio, House erupts

A marathon debate on the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday turned into a sharp political confrontation after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attacked newly appointed Education Minister Pralhad Joshi over his past remarks related to the Bilkis Bano case. Her comments triggered protests from treasury benches and heated exchanges in the House. Priyanka also questioned Home Minister Amit Shah over allegations of pellet guns and firearms being used against student protesters.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said student protests had forced the government to bring the legislation. Responding to the debate, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said the bill proposes special fast-track courts, with investigations to be completed within two months and trials within three months.

Separately, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut faced criticism for calling Gen Z female protesters “Generation Gutter” on Instagram, while BJP MP Sushmita Dev defended the government’s higher education budget.