Rahul Gandhi Intensifies Criticism of Modi Government Over US Textile Tariffs
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on the economic repercussions of high US tariffs on India's textile sector. In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Gandhi highlighted what he described as a critical situation facing the industry.
Economic Impact and Job Losses
Gandhi pointed to the 50% tariffs imposed by the United States, coupled with ongoing uncertainty in trade relations, as major factors disrupting India's textile exports. According to his statement, this disruption has led to significant consequences including:
- Widespread job losses across the textile sector
- Factory closures affecting manufacturing units
- Substantial reduction in export orders
- Financial strain on businesses throughout the value chain
The Congress leader emphasized that the situation has reached a critical point, with more than 4.5 crore jobs potentially at risk along with lakhs of businesses connected to the textile industry. He characterized this as one of the most pressing economic challenges facing the nation.
Political Accusations and Government Response
Gandhi accused the Modi government of maintaining silence despite what he called the "seriousness of the situation." He claimed that the administration has failed to adequately address the concerns of exporters and workers affected by the tariff policies.
The Congress leader made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Modi, urging him to:
- Publicly acknowledge the crisis facing the textile industry
- Announce concrete measures to protect exporters
- Implement policies to safeguard workers' livelihoods
- Develop a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of US tariffs
BJP's Counterattack and Political Context
The Bharatiya Janata Party has responded strongly to Gandhi's criticism, defending the government's economic policies and trade negotiations. BJP leaders have countered that the Modi administration has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address trade concerns with the United States and other nations.
This exchange comes amid broader political debates about India's economic direction and international trade relationships. The textile industry, being one of India's largest employment sectors and a significant contributor to exports, has become a focal point in these discussions.
The political confrontation highlights the ongoing tension between the ruling party and opposition regarding economic management, particularly in sectors vulnerable to international trade policies. As both sides present their perspectives, the debate continues to evolve with implications for policy decisions and electoral narratives.
