Siddaramaiah Slams Pralhad Joshi’s Appointment as Education Minister, Says ‘Kannadigas Ashamed’
Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as Union Education Minister, alleging that the decision has left Kannadigas “ashamed” and demanding his immediate removal from the portfolio.
Siddaramaiah Targets Pralhad Joshi Over Education Ministry Appointment
In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka should have been proud of having one of its MPs appointed as the country’s Education Minister. Instead, he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to appoint Joshi, citing Joshi’s past comments in support of the Gujarat government’s decision to release convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case.
“We should have been proud that a Member of Parliament from Karnataka had become the country’s Education Minister. Instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Pralhad Joshi – an MP who defended those convicted of raping a woman – leaving Kannadigas ashamed.”
Siddaramaiah alleged that Joshi and outgoing Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were “ideological twins” and claimed that both began their political careers through the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Siddaramaiah Raises Bilkis Bano Case
Siddaramaiah also referred to the 2002 Gujarat riots and the Bilkis Bano case while criticising Joshi. He alleged that Joshi had defended the Gujarat government’s decision to release those convicted in the case on grounds of “good conduct” and had spoken in their support.
He further alleged that Joshi shares the RSS’s outlook towards women, Dalits, poor and backward communities, Muslims and Christians, and claimed that his appointment represented continuity rather than a change in the government’s approach to education.
“Only the face has changed; the direction remains the same.”
Congress Leaders Raised Issue in Parliament, Says Siddaramaiah
Siddaramaiah said Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had raised the issue in Parliament and demanded Joshi’s removal from the Education Ministry.
He questioned what the appointment would mean for India’s education system and said criticism raised inside Parliament could not suppress public opinion outside it.
“Our concern now is what will happen to the country’s education system under a person with such views.”
Siddaramaiah also claimed that Joshi would act according to the instructions of the RSS and suggested that he could eventually face a fate similar to that of Dharmendra Pradhan.
Siddaramaiah Demands Joshi’s Removal
The former Karnataka chief minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove Joshi from the Education Ministry and appoint someone he described as genuinely qualified to handle the portfolio.
“If Prime Minister @narendramodi has even the slightest concern for teachers and students, he must immediately remove @JoshiPralhad from the Education Ministry and entrust this important portfolio to someone who is genuinely qualified.”
Pralhad Joshi Takes Additional Charge of Education Ministry
Pralhad Joshi assumed additional charge of the Ministry of Education on July 26, according to ANI. His appointment has since drawn criticism from Congress leaders, with Siddaramaiah becoming the latest senior party figure to call for his removal.
The political dispute centres on Joshi’s appointment and Siddaramaiah’s criticism of his past political positions, while the Education Ministry remains under Joshi’s additional charge.
Source: ANI
