Shekhawat Questions Gandhi's Mental Health Over 'Sold Out Country' Trade Deal Remarks
Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat has launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his mental health following Gandhi's recent comments on the India-US trade deal. The remarks came after Gandhi posted a video on the social media platform X, where he criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the framework of the trade agreement.
Shekhawat's Strong Criticism
In a strongly worded statement, Shekhawat said, 'There is a definite need to consider his mental health', referring to Gandhi's allegations that the country has been 'sold out' through the trade deal. The minister accused Gandhi of making baseless and irresponsible statements that undermine diplomatic efforts and national interests.
Gandhi's Social Media Attack
Rahul Gandhi's video post on X attacked the Modi government's handling of the India-US trade negotiations, claiming that the deal compromises India's sovereignty and economic independence. Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led government is making concessions that could harm domestic industries and farmers.
Political Context and Reactions
The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress party regarding international agreements. Shekhawat's comments represent a significant escalation in rhetoric, moving beyond policy criticism to personal attacks on Gandhi's mental state.
Political analysts suggest this reflects the BJP's strategy to counter opposition narratives on economic diplomacy. The India-US trade deal has been a contentious issue in Indian politics, with opposition parties consistently questioning transparency and national benefit.
Broader Implications
This incident raises questions about political discourse standards in India, particularly regarding personal attacks versus policy-based criticism. The mental health reference by a senior minister against a prominent opposition leader has drawn attention to the tone of political debates in the country.
The trade deal itself remains a significant economic and diplomatic initiative for India, with potential impacts on various sectors including technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. Both government and opposition positions will likely influence public perception as negotiations progress.