A political confrontation erupted in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to appoint Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister, prompting sharp objections from the treasury benches.
Speaking during the Parliament Monsoon Session, Priyanka Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister had appointed as Education Minister a person who had supported the release of those convicted of raping a pregnant woman.
“Prime Minister Modi chose a new Education Minister and appointed a person to this position who had expressed support for the release of the rapists of a pregnant woman. What message has the Prime Minister sent to the crores of girls in this country through this decision? The message is loud and clear. There is no ambiguity about it,” she said.
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Rijiju Seeks Priyanka’s Remarks Expunction From Parliament Records
Her remarks triggered immediate protests from the ruling side, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accusing the Congress leader of making defamatory statements.
Interrupting Priyanka Gandhi, Rijiju said the remarks amounted to “character assassination” and demanded that they be removed from the parliamentary record.
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“When Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was speaking earlier, she was interrupted in the House. Even we have faced such interruptions in the past. But today, we are listening peacefully. However, the remarks made by her amount to character assassination, and we did not expect such language from her. The objectionable remarks made by her should be expunged from the records,” Rijiju said.
He further urged the Congress MP to uphold the dignity of Parliament.
“She is a senior leader of her party, though she has been elected for the first time. She should speak responsibly. If she cannot maintain the dignity of the House, then I believe she should apologise to the House,” he added.
Priyanka Should Be Expelled: Prahlad Joshi
Responding to the allegations, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi rejected Priyanka Gandhi’s claims and accused her of spreading misinformation.
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“Priyanka ji should have authenticated her statements. Action should be taken regarding the misinformation being spread. Can one simply say anything and get away with it? I refute these allegations. She should be expelled and must apologise,” Joshi said.
The exchange led to a heated confrontation in the Lok Sabha as both the Congress and the ruling BJP traded accusations over the remarks.
