Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi Government of Surrendering National Interests in US Trade Deal
In a fiery speech in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, accusing them of "completely surrendering" India's core interests in data, food, and energy through a trade agreement with the United States. Gandhi's condemnation of what he termed an interim pact formed the central theme of his address during the budget discussion.
Metaphor of Martial Arts and Allegations of Leverage
Gandhi began his speech by invoking martial arts concepts, specifically the grip and chokehold techniques used to subdue opponents. He employed this metaphor to target Prime Minister Modi, suggesting that the United States has gained significant leverage over him, leading to concessions that compromise India's sovereignty. "The most valuable asset of India has been handed over," Gandhi asserted, referring to the data of 140 crore Indians, which he described as the nation's most precious resource.
Specific Allegations of National Sellout
Rahul Gandhi detailed his accusations with pointed claims:
- Data Security: He alleged that India's data, a critical asset, has been compromised in the trade deal.
- Agricultural Concerns: Gandhi claimed that Indian farmers have been "left to the mercy of mechanised American farms," threatening domestic agriculture.
- Energy and Textiles: He stated that energy security has been handed over, and the textiles sector has been "wiped out." Gandhi emphasized, "We cannot buy oil from who we want to buy it from. This is a wholesale surrender."
He argued that the deal has undermined security in three essential areas required to run a modern nation: data, food supply, and energy.
Controversial References and Parliamentary Resistance
During his speech, Gandhi made controversial references that sparked immediate backlash from the treasury benches. These included mentions of a convicted child sex offender in the US and two Indian businessmen, which were subsequently expunged from parliamentary records. He alleged that Minister Hardeep Puri had introduced an Indian businessman to this offender, citing files released by the US government. The Chair intervened, advising Gandhi against leveling such allegations.
Contrasting Views on Global Affairs
Gandhi also diverged from the government's stance on international relations. While Prime Minister Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have emphasized that "it is not an era of war," Gandhi contended that the world is actually moving into an era of war and instability. He pointed to intensifying geopolitical conflicts, the challenge to the dollar's supremacy, and a shift away from a unipolar world order.
Critique of the Budget and Government Response
Although the budget acknowledges challenges such as the weaponization of energy and finance, Gandhi criticized it for offering no future pathways to address these issues. His speech directly hit the BJP-led NDA government on a platform it has dominated since 2014—national interest and security. The government, in turn, hit back against his allegations, defending the trade deal and its benefits for India.
Rahul Gandhi's sharp attack underscores the deepening political divide over foreign policy and economic agreements, positioning the trade deal as a focal point of national debate ahead of upcoming elections.
