Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized newly appointed Education Minister Pralhad Joshi (BJP) during a Lok Sabha session in New Delhi.
The exchange highlights escalating tensions between the opposition and the ruling party over the government's handling of student protests and women's safety. The confrontation occurred during the Parliament Monsoon Session of 2024 [1].
Gandhi questioned the government's stance on the safety of women and the treatment of students. She said PM Modi and Home Minister Shah must answer as to who authorized the use of "pellet guns" and "AK-47s" on protesting students [1].
BJP ministers responded by defending Joshi and demanding proof for the allegations. Kiren Rijiju (BJP) said Gandhi's comments amount to "character assassination" of Pralhad Joshi and should be expunged from the record [2].
Joshi has served as a member of the cabinet since 2019 [3]. The dispute centered on whether the government's response to civil unrest was proportional or an abuse of power.
Gandhi's remarks were met with demands for a formal apology from the BJP. The ruling party said the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputation of the new Education Minister [2].
“PM Modi and Home Minister Shah must answer as to who authorised the use of "pellet guns" and "AK‑47s" on protesting students.”
This clash reflects the deepening ideological divide in the Indian Parliament regarding the use of state force against student activists. By targeting a newly appointed minister, the opposition is attempting to link administrative appointments to broader human rights concerns, while the government's focus on 'character assassination' suggests a strategy of framing such critiques as personal attacks rather than policy failures.
