Rahul Gandhi Elaborates on 'Jiu-Jitsu' Analogy, Claims PM Modi Is 'Trapped' by Political Pressures
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday provided a detailed explanation of his fiery "jiu-jitsu" analogy from his Budget Session speech, describing the "political grips and chokes" he alleges are constraining Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a comprehensive video post on social media platform X, Gandhi expanded on his parliamentary remarks, linking them to recent controversies and policy decisions.
Unpacking the Martial Arts Metaphor
"Why did I use a Jiu-Jitsu analogy in my Parliament speech on the trade deal? The reason I used the idea of grips and a choke is because these exist in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu and it is how you control an opponent in this sport," Gandhi stated. He emphasized that similar dynamics operate in politics, though often invisibly. "In my experience of politics, political grips and chokes are mostly hidden. The average person can't see them. And you have to look carefully to see where the choke is being applied. It expressed very powerfully what our Prime Minister is going through," he added.
Specific Allegations and Criticisms
Gandhi highlighted several key issues in his critique. He pointed to the Gautam Adani indictment and references to Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and businessman Anil Ambani in the Epstein files as part of the political pressure. Most prominently, he attacked the India-US trade deal as fundamentally unbalanced. "On one side, there is China sitting on our border, and on the other side, there's the USA. And our Prime Minister is torn between these grips. He's trapped," Gandhi explained, framing the Prime Minister's position as one of vulnerability.
In his social media post, Gandhi posed a series of pointed questions: "Why were our farmers sacrificed to please the Americans? Why was India’s energy security compromised by allowing the US to dictate our oil supplies? Why agree to increase US imports by $100 billion a year without a reciprocal promise? Why did I say this deal could turn India into a data colony?" He concluded, "Why would Modi ji agree to a deal where India gives so much and appears to get so little?" before answering his own query: "the answer to this abject surrender lies in the 'grips' and 'chokes' placed on the PM."
Data Security Concerns and Broader Protests
Gandhi reserved particular criticism for data-related aspects of the trade agreement. "But most important is the data. The fact that our data is being handed over by Mr Narendra Modi to American companies to the United States for a pittance. And mark my words, we are going to become a data colony," he warned, amplifying concerns about national sovereignty and digital autonomy.
This commentary follows earlier criticisms from Gandhi regarding the government's handling of the AI Summit, which he labeled a "chaotic PR exercise." He alleged that instead of leveraging India's talent and data responsibly, the event endangered Indian data while promoting Chinese products. In a related development on Friday, members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a symbolic shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam. The demonstrators targeted the AI Impact Summit and accused Prime Minister Modi of being "compromised," with party workers removing their shirts to visually signal their dissent against the administration's policies.
The opposition leader's remarks and the accompanying protests underscore escalating political tensions over foreign policy, trade agreements, and data security, positioning these issues at the forefront of national debate as parliamentary discussions continue.
