Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack on Modi Over US Trade Agreement
In a fiery address at a kisan rally in Barnala, approximately 180 kilometers from Chandigarh, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a severe criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He alleged that the Prime Minister surrendered India's national interests under pressure from the United States in a recent trade deal.
Allegations of Agricultural and Economic Harm
Rahul Gandhi claimed that the India-US trade deal will have devastating consequences for Indian farmers. He asserted that PM Modi has provided a guarantee to US President Donald Trump to purchase American products worth an astounding Rs 9 lakh crore annually. "Imagine what will happen to our small-scale and medium-scale industries. They will be destroyed," he warned, emphasizing the potential economic fallout.
He highlighted that the trade deal was stalled for four months due to Modi's hesitation to open up the agriculture sector. "Why did the PM then wrap up the trade deal in 15 minutes all of a sudden?" Gandhi questioned, suggesting a rushed and secretive process.
According to Gandhi, Modi called President Trump without consulting his cabinet, leading to a deal that he described as signing "the death warrants of farmers and workers." He noted that no previous Prime Minister, from Congress or BJP, had opened up the agriculture sector to such an extent.
Specific Threats to Farmers and Data Sovereignty
Gandhi detailed that the deal opens up imports for products like soyabean, pulses, cotton, fruits, nuts, and apricot. He argued that small farmers cannot compete with large, mechanized US farms, and the influx of these goods will be like a "toofan (storm)" for them. He specifically pointed out that Punjab farmers, who are crucial for national food security, will be hit the hardest.
Beyond agriculture, Gandhi made serious allegations about data security. He stated that India holds the world's second-largest data pool after China, and the US needs this data for artificial intelligence advancements. "If the last century was of oil, the 21st century is of data," he said, claiming that Modi has handed over India's crucial data to the US in the deal, allowing it to be stored anywhere.
He also raised concerns about energy security, alleging that India has agreed to purchase oil only from US-designated sources, potentially cutting off options like Russia or Iran and jeopardizing national interests.
Political Context and Broader Criticisms
Gandhi recalled being stopped from speaking in Parliament about issues from General Naravane's book, which he claimed BJP wants to keep hidden. At the rally, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke, urging Punjab to fight against both BJP and AAP. He accused AAP of not following Bhagat Singh's ideals and criticized the state government for poor law and order, calling it BJP's "B-team."
Kharge highlighted Congress initiatives like MGNREGA and accused the current government of dismantling public sectors. He also cornered the AAP government on drug issues, questioning Home Minister Amit Shah's failure to control cross-border drug trafficking from Pakistan.
The rally was attended by Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, and former CM Charanjit Singh Channi. Warring emphasized the need for Congress to strengthen its presence in the Malwa region, a stronghold of AAP.
