Rahul Gandhi Intensifies Attack on Modi Government Over US Trade Agreement
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration during election rallies in West Bengal on Tuesday. In a sharply worded critique, Gandhi labeled the Prime Minister a "deshdrohi" (traitor), escalating his ongoing campaign against the government's handling of international trade relations.
Allegations of National Betrayal in Trade Negotiations
Addressing supporters in Malda, a traditional Congress stronghold, Gandhi asserted that "PM Modi sold off India" through the trade agreement with the United States. He specifically accused the government of compromising India's energy security by yielding to Washington's pressure during negotiations.
"India's agricultural sector will be devastated. Modi sold off India in the trade deal with the US. He is not 'desh bhakt' (patriot), he is 'deshdrohi' (traitor)," Gandhi declared, as reported by news agency PTI from the rally venue.
Data Security and Economic Concerns Raised
The Congress leader emphasized that data security represents a fundamental pillar of national strength, accusing the Modi government of surrendering India's data sovereignty to American interests. "National security has been badly harmed by this," he warned, highlighting what he described as severe vulnerabilities created by the agreement.
Gandhi further alleged that the government committed to purchasing American goods worth approximately Rs 9.5 lakh crore, a move he claimed would have catastrophic consequences for domestic manufacturing. "If American goods enter India like a tsunami, then our country's small and medium scale factories will close down," he cautioned, predicting widespread job losses across industrial sectors.
Dual Criticism Targeting Both BJP and TMC
In a comprehensive political offensive, Gandhi also targeted the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bengal while maintaining his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He claimed that 84 lakh youths in the state have applied for unemployment allowances promised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government, contrasting this with her pledge to create five lakh jobs.
Regarding the BJP and RSS, Gandhi accused both organizations of undermining constitutional principles through what he termed "hate-filled thinking" and involvement in "vote theft." He specifically criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as unconstitutional, alleging systematic attempts to manipulate democratic processes.
Broader Implications for Bengal and National Politics
Gandhi argued that Bengal would suffer disproportionately from the trade deal's consequences, citing what he described as existing industrial decline under the TMC administration. "This will cause double loss for Bengal since Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already closed down industries in the state," he remarked, positioning the Congress as an alternative to both major regional players.
The rallies in Raiganj and Malda formed part of Gandhi's intensified campaign in the politically crucial state, where he sought to consolidate opposition to both the BJP-led central government and the TMC state government through a narrative of economic protectionism and constitutional defense.
