Lok Sabha Disrupted Over Priyanka Gandhi's Statement on New Education Minister

Lok Sabha Session Heated by Priyanka Gandhi's Remarks on Education Policy and New Minister

New Delhi, July 28, 2026 – The Lok Sabha session in New Delhi experienced significant disruption on Tuesday as Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in her speech, questioned the appointment of the new Education Minister amidst the backdrop of the central government's education policy, recurring paper leaks across the country, and student protests.

Her statement drew sharp criticism from members of the ruling party, leading to an uproar in the House. Gandhi began her address by expressing concern over the current state of employment, quality of education, and the examination system in the country. She accused the government of systematically weakening all major sectors related to job creation.

Concerns Over Centralization and Education Budget

Gandhi specifically highlighted the repeated paper leaks in competitive examinations, which she stated are affecting the future of millions of students. She noted that no major culprits in these cases have faced effective punishment to date. The Congress MP described the extreme centralization in the examination system following the formation of the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a serious concern for transparency and accountability.

According to her, ideological interference in educational institutions has increased, and the overall standard of education is continuously declining. Priyanka Gandhi also claimed that the percentage of the budget allocated by the central government for education is decreasing annually, while more funds are being spent on waiving loans for industrialists. She questioned the government's priorities, asking whether education or other issues take precedence.

Youth's Eroding Trust and Remarks on Former Education Minister

Priyanka Gandhi asserted that the youth of the country have lost faith in the current system. She emphasized that finding solutions from within systems that are themselves being questioned is insufficient. She urged the government to step out of this scenario and take concrete steps to restore confidence. In this context, she also referred to the felicitation of the former Education Minister in the House after his resignation.

She stated that at the time when a form of 'celebration' was underway in the House, a family in Maharashtra was grappling with the grief of their daughter's suicide. She expressed regret over the atmosphere, which contrasted with the expectation of accountability and sensitivity.

Statement on New Education Minister Deepens Controversy

At a critical juncture of her speech, Priyanka Gandhi commented on the selection of the new Education Minister, stating that the Prime Minister had appointed an individual to this crucial post who had consented to the release of convicts in a case involving a pregnant rape victim. This statement immediately prompted members of the ruling party to stand up from their seats and register strong protest, causing considerable noise in the House.

The Lok Sabha Speaker intervened promptly, advising Priyanka Gandhi to speak based on facts and clarifying that such accusations should not be made without proof. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly objected to Priyanka Gandhi's statement, calling it an "assassination of character" of the minister and unbefitting the dignity of Parliament. He demanded that the controversial remark be expunged from the House proceedings immediately.

Rijiju stated that the standard of debate in Parliament should remain high and every member should speak responsibly. He added that if Priyanka Gandhi could not substantiate her allegations, she should apologize to the House.

Questions on Student Protests and Police Action

Priyanka Gandhi also raised the issue of police action during student protests. She recounted her visit to the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi, where injured students were being treated. She shared an experience of meeting the mother of an injured student who expressed her pain and anger over the visiting leaders, stating that mere expressions of sympathy would not suffice; those responsible for her daughter's condition should be held accountable.

Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister and the Home Minister on why tear gas, lathi-charge, and pellet guns were used against protesting students. She alleged that protesters, particularly female students, were treated disrespectfully. She inquired who issued such orders and why the government was afraid of the voice of the youth.

Confrontation Persists in the House

Throughout Priyanka Gandhi's speech, sharp exchanges continued between the ruling party and the opposition. The comment regarding the new Education Minister generated the most significant controversy. Members of the ruling party repeatedly demanded that the remark be withdrawn and expunged from the record, while the opposition remained firm on its stance.

The Lok Sabha Speaker appealed to both sides to maintain restraint and uphold parliamentary decorum. This development has once again brought critical issues such as education policy, paper leaks, student movements, and the dignity of parliamentary language onto the Parliament's agenda. It remains to be seen what decision the Speaker will take regarding expunging the controversial remark or any other parliamentary action.