Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack on PM Modi Over US Trade Agreement
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a blistering critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, accusing him of having "betrayed the country" by entering into a trade agreement with the United States. Gandhi asserted that this deal would have severe negative consequences for farmers and small businesses across India.
Allegations of Economic Harm to Vulnerable Sectors
Gandhi made these remarks while inaugurating the valedictory function of the state-wide "Puthuyuga Yatra" in Kerala, which was led by VD Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly. "PM has let the country down. He betrayed the country. I believe the Prime Minister betrayed the country by signing the US deal," Gandhi stated emphatically.
He elaborated that ordinary citizens, particularly farmers and small business owners, would ultimately bear the brunt of this agreement. "No Prime Minister before him opened Indian agriculture to US agriculture," he highlighted, warning that the entry of large, mechanized American agricultural corporations into the Indian market would place immense pressure on small farmers, potentially leading to "devastation" in the agricultural sector.
Further Claims of Compromise and Control
Gandhi further alleged that the country's energy sector had been compromised through this deal. He also claimed that former US President Donald Trump had obtained Indian data via the agreement. In a striking accusation, Gandhi suggested that Modi was controlled by Trump, drawing a parallel by stating that the chief minister of Kerala was similarly controlled by Modi.
During his address, Gandhi briefly mentioned cricketer Sanju Samson, noting it was encouraging to learn that the star wicketkeeper-batsman, who featured in the T20 World Cup quarter-final, hails from Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala's Political Landscape and the Puthuyuga Yatra
The Puthuyuga Yatra, which commenced a month ago as part of the Congress party's campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, traversed all districts of Kerala. The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including KPCC and AICC members such as Sachin Pilot and Deepa Dasmunshi, along with other leaders from the UDF alliance.
Addressing the gathering, VD Satheesan described the yatra as the most meaningful experience of his political life. He stated that the UDF had presented a "charge sheet" against the ruling LDF government during the march. "Wherever the LDF government failed, the UDF will elevate the state," he declared.
Vision for a Neo-Kerala Model
Satheesan added that the yatra enabled the alliance to gather extensive public feedback from across the state, which would be instrumental in shaping policies for Kerala's future development. He announced that the UDF intends to introduce a "neo-Kerala model" focused on good governance and practical solutions to the problems faced by ordinary citizens.
"The Kerala government secretariat will be made the most efficient in the country," he promised, outlining plans for greater accountability in governance and comprehensive reforms in key sectors such as health, education, and employment. Specific initiatives would also be undertaken to address the challenges confronting poorer sections of society.
Confidence in Upcoming Assembly Elections
Expressing strong confidence about the upcoming Assembly elections, Satheesan predicted a decisive victory for the UDF. "UDF will come to power winning more than 100 seats," he asserted, signaling a robust political challenge to the current administration.
