Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as Union Education Minister, describing him as a “defender of rapists” and “the most filthy type of man”. That is the Education Minister of India today,” he said. It’s a strange reaction from the Prime Minister. It’s quite amazing,” Mr. Gandhi added. In a post on X later, Mr. Gandhi reiterated his criticism and alleged that Mr. Joshi’s appointment was “an insult to our education system” and to students, particularly young women.