Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack on Modi Over India-US Deal in Assam Rallies
In a series of fiery campaign rallies in Assam on Thursday, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of effectively selling India to Donald Trump and the United States. Addressing supporters in Karbi Anglong and Jorhat to bolster candidates from the united opposition alliance, Gandhi leveled serious allegations against the BJP-led government, claiming it has jeopardized key national sectors through agreements with America.
Allegations of Agricultural Sector Compromise
Campaigning for APHLC leader JI Kathar in Diphu, Rahul Gandhi asserted that the India-US deal signed by Modi has opened up India's agriculture to American farmers, putting immense pressure on local cultivators. He emphasized that this issue is relevant to Assam's elections because voters must understand the source of their economic struggles.
"Narendra Modi initiated and signed the India-US deal," Gandhi declared. "He gave four to five critical things to America, including Hindustan's agricultural system and the hard work of our farmers." He argued that no previous Prime Minister had taken such a step, which he claims exposes Indian farmers to unfair competition.
Gandhi detailed that products like soybean, dal, fruits, and cotton have been made accessible to American farmers, who operate with vast, mechanized farms spanning thousands of acres. In contrast, Indian farmers typically work small plots with limited mechanization. "Indian farmers will be crushed, trampled, and wiped out," he warned, painting a dire picture of the sector's future under current policies.
Claims on Energy Security and Data Privacy
At both rallies, Gandhi further alleged that Modi has compromised India's energy independence by allowing the US to influence crude oil purchases. He stated that India now requires permission from Donald Trump or America to buy oil from countries like Russia, Iran, or Iraq, undermining national sovereignty.
Additionally, he accused the government of handing over India's data to the US, claiming, "They can do whatever they want with our data, store it wherever they want." This, he argued, poses significant risks to privacy and security.
Economic and Political Criticisms
Rahul Gandhi also claimed that Modi committed India to purchasing goods worth Rs 9 lakh crore annually from American companies, a move he said would devastate small businesses and medium industries. "Narendra Modi gave a lot to America, but America gave nothing to India — nothing at all," he remarked, questioning the rationale behind the deal.
In a fresh and provocative attack, Gandhi referenced the Epstein files, alleging they contain details about Modi's character. He cited instances where Donald Trump has publicly criticized Modi, including claims that Trump said he would destroy Modi's career and that Modi calls him "Sir." Gandhi used this to portray Modi as subservient to American interests.
Accusations of Land Grabs in Assam
Turning to local issues, Gandhi accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of collaborating to transfer land in Assam to large corporations. He described this as setting up an "ATM of your land," where land is taken without consent for projects by entities like Adani, Ambani, and Ramdev.
- Adani's solar project: 18,000 bigha
- Ambani: 13,000 bigha
- Adani thermal project: 6,000 bigha
- Adani power plant: 1,400 bigha
- Ramdev: 7,000 bigha
Gandhi asserted that this land is being snatched directly from the people and handed over to corporates, exacerbating local grievances.
Critique of Tea Garden Workers' Wages
In Titabor, Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of tea garden workers' wages, accusing the BJP of failing to fulfill its promise of Rs 350 per day. He highlighted that despite this unkept pledge from five years ago, the BJP now promises Rs 500, which he labeled as another lie. "They didn't fulfil the promise made 5 years ago, they lied to you, and then after that, 5 years later, they are lying again," he said, aiming to resonate with Assam's significant tea worker community.
Overall, Gandhi's rallies in Assam focused on portraying the Modi government as detrimental to national interests, particularly in agriculture, energy, and data security, while linking these issues to local concerns like land rights and wages to galvanize opposition support ahead of elections.
