Rahul Gandhi Escalates Attack on Modi Government Over US Trade Agreement
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique against the central government on Thursday, focusing on the India-US trade deal. He asserted that the agreement fundamentally undermines India's food security and exploits the nation's agricultural community. In a bold statement, Gandhi claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has effectively surrendered control of India's agriculture market because US President Donald Trump "has him by the throat."
Defiance in the Face of BJP's Privilege Motion
Responding to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to file a privilege motion against him in the Lower House, the Congress MP from Rae Bareli remained defiant. He emphasized that his parliamentary remarks represented the unvarnished truth and declared his readiness to face any consequences. Gandhi reiterated his controversial allegation that "PM Modi has sold the nation," specifically targeting the agricultural sector.
In a video message shared on social media platform X, Gandhi stated, "Narendra Modi ji has sold the country, sold the farmers. File a case against me, abuse, do whatever you want to do, privilege motion if you want to file, file it, it doesn't matter. I have spoken the truth in Parliament. If you don't like the truth, that's another matter. The country understands the truth. Do whatever you want to do. I stand with farmers; Congress president Kharge ji and the entire Congress party, all our workers stand with farmers. We will not let this injustice happen."
BJP's Counterattack and Allegations of Misinformation
Earlier on Thursday, BJP Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey announced he had submitted a substantive motion in the Lok Sabha targeting Rahul Gandhi. Dubey accused the Congress leader of deliberately misleading the Indian public with assistance from what he termed "anti-India forces." This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political confrontation between the government and the opposition regarding international trade policies.
Gandhi's Detailed Allegations About Agricultural Market Access
The former Congress president elaborated on his concerns, warning that the government's decision to import American agricultural products—including corn, soybeans, and various fruits—represents merely the initial phase of a broader strategy. Gandhi predicted that the Centre would eventually "open the doors of the entire agriculture market for his friends, for people like Adani and Ambani, and for foreign powers."
He elaborated, "For years, foreign entities have attempted to capture Hindustan's agriculture market. Narendra Modi ji has opened the door for them; this is the truth. He also knows, I also know why he opened it... because Donald Trump has him by the throat. Corn, soybean and fruits—this is the beginning... Narendra Modi will open the doors of the entire agriculture market for his friends, for people like Adani and Ambani, and for foreign powers."
Comparative Analysis of Indian and American Farming Conditions
Labeling Prime Minister Modi as "anti-farmer," Gandhi referenced the repealed three farm laws to bolster his argument. He drew a stark comparison between the circumstances of Indian farmers and their American counterparts, highlighting what he described as a devastating disparity.
"Earlier also he brought black laws, now he has opened the door for foreign powers," Gandhi stated. "American farmers have large farms, thousands of acres of farms, fully mechanized and the government gives them subsidy. You know that our farmers have small farms, don't get proper MSP and mechanization is just in name."
Broader Geopolitical Context and National Security Concerns
The video release followed Gandhi's parliamentary address on Wednesday, where he accused the government of compromising India's national interests through its foreign policy decisions. During his Lok Sabha speech, the Congress leader noted that the administration had acknowledged a transformative global shift characterized by the decline of a unipolar world, increasing geopolitical conflicts, and the strategic use of energy and finance as weapons.
Despite this recognition, Gandhi alleged that the government permitted the United States to weaponize both energy and financial systems in manners detrimental to India. He further contended that the trade deal has jeopardized security across three essential domains required to operate a contemporary nation: data management, food supply chains, and energy resources.
The political confrontation underscores deepening divisions over India's economic sovereignty and agricultural future, with both sides preparing for prolonged parliamentary battles and public discourse on these critical issues.
