Questions Raised Over Prahlad Joshi’s Appointment as Education Minister; Congress Leaders CM Faiz & Manjunath Demand Merit-Based Leadership
‘India Has No Shortage of Talent, But a Shortage of Political Will,’ Says CM Faiz Mohammed
Bengaluru: Congress leader CM Faiz Mohammed has strongly criticised the reported replacement of Dharmendra Pradhan with Prahlad Joshi as the Union Education Minister, questioning the rationale behind the appointment and urging the Centre to place merit and expertise above political considerations in shaping the country’s education policy.
Describing the development as “moving from one disappointment to another,” CM Faiz said the country deserves visionary leadership in education, particularly at a time when millions of students are demanding transparency, accountability and meaningful reforms.
“India has no shortage of capable minds. What is lacking is the political will to utilise them in nation-building,” CM Faiz said.
Questions Over Leadership and Education Reforms
Expressing concern over the choice of minister, CM Faiz questioned whether the appointment would inspire confidence among students and parents already troubled by repeated controversies surrounding the education system.
“The future of our children cannot be treated casually. Education requires competence, vision and integrity. India deserves leadership that can genuinely reform the system and restore students’ faith,” he said.
“ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಸಚಿವರಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದ್ ಜೋಶಿ ನೇಮಕಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ; ರಾಜಕೀಯಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಅರ್ಹತೆಗೆ ಆದ್ಯತೆ ನೀಡುವಂತೆ ಆಗ್ರಹ”
He further alleged that the government continues to recycle a limited group of political leaders despite India having a vast pool of highly qualified professionals capable of contributing to public policy.
Call to Draw on India’s Best Minds
CM Faiz pointed to internationally recognised Indian economists and policymakers, including Raghuram Rajan and Gita Gopinath, arguing that India possesses globally respected expertise that should be utilised in national policymaking.
“When Indians are trusted by leading global institutions, why are such accomplished minds not meaningfully involved in shaping India’s policies? Governance must be guided by knowledge, not ideological limitations,” he remarked.
Youth Must Remain Hopeful
Calling upon the country’s youth to remain engaged in democratic processes, Manjunath Gowda said students have shown remarkable courage in demanding education reforms despite adversity.
“The youth of India are awakening. Their determination reflects a deep desire for a transparent, accountable and future-ready education system. Governments must listen before public confidence is further eroded,” he said.
The Congress leaders urged the Union Government to adopt a broader, merit-based approach to policymaking, stating that the country’s future depends on empowering capable leadership and rebuilding trust in India’s education system.
