Piyush Goyal Slams Rahul Gandhi Over India-US Trade Deal Comments
Union Minister Piyush Goyal strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, accusing him of attempting to mislead the nation regarding the India-US trade deal. Goyal expressed regret over Gandhi's actions, stating that such behavior is detrimental to India's progress.
Parliamentary Disruption and Press Conference Remarks
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted his intention to provide information on the US-India trade deal in Parliament. However, he noted that Rahul Gandhi and the opposition behaved disgracefully, leading to disruptions. The Lok Sabha was adjourned multiple times amid protests and sloganeering by opposition members, resulting in the suspension of at least eight Congress MPs for unruly conduct.
Goyal emphasized, "It is a great misfortune that negative-minded leaders like Rahul Gandhi are trying to mislead or confuse the country today. I condemn Rahul Gandhi's lies and deceit. He wants to mislead people, but it won't work. The country is moving forward."
Details of the India-US Trade Agreement
The final details of the trade deal are currently being finalized, with a joint statement expected to be issued shortly. This development follows an announcement by former President Donald Trump, who stated that India and the US have agreed to a trade deal. Under this agreement, Washington will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight in an X post, noting that "made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent." This move is anticipated to open significant opportunities, particularly for economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Accusations Against Rahul Gandhi and Opposition Leaders
Piyush Goyal accused Rahul Gandhi of having a negative approach and lacking interest in India's advancement. He referenced the Congress-led UPA government's tenure, alleging that it ruined the economy, troubled citizens, and halted development. Goyal asserted, "He wants to take India back to the UPA days when we were among the five fragile economies."
Furthermore, Goyal criticized other opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee of TMC, and MK Stalin of DMK, labeling them as part of a group of 'rejected' politicians. He warned that they would be held accountable for spreading negativity and engaging in blame games, describing their actions as anti-national.
Rahul Gandhi's Counter-Allegations
In response, Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi succumbed to US pressure to finalize the trade deal, claiming that Indian farmers' hard work has been "sold out" through the agreement. Gandhi questioned the timing of the deal, suggesting that it was suddenly finalized after months of stagnation due to immense pressure on Modi.
Gandhi also raised concerns about not being allowed to speak in Lok Sabha, marking an unprecedented situation where the Leader of Opposition was denied the opportunity to address the president's speech. He insisted that the entire country has been compromised, urging farmers to recognize that their efforts have been undermined.
Political Context and Future Implications
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, where Piyush Goyal has been appointed as the BJP election in-charge. The BJP and other parties are challenging the ruling DMK-Congress alliance, adding a layer of political significance to the trade deal discussions.
The exchange underscores deep political divisions, with the government championing the trade deal as a step toward economic growth and the opposition decrying it as a surrender to foreign interests. As details emerge, the debate is likely to influence public perception and policy discourse in the coming months.
