Rahul Gandhi Intensifies Attack, Labels PM Modi as 'Compromised'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the Prime Minister is "compromised" and his "betrayal now stands exposed." In a strongly worded social media post on platform X, Gandhi declared that Modi "can’t renegotiate" and "will surrender again." This political offensive comes amidst growing scrutiny of the recent trade developments between India and the United States.
Youth Congress Protests and US Supreme Court Ruling Add to Political Heat
The remarks follow a day after Youth Congress workers staged a shirtless march in protest against the US-India trade agreement. Simultaneously, a significant legal development unfolded in the United States. The US Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, ruled that the Trump administration overstepped its legal authority by utilizing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose broad-based import tariffs.
Former President Donald Trump, criticizing the ruling as a "terrible decision," announced his intention to sign an executive order for a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This provision permits a temporary import surcharge of up to 15% for 150 days to tackle balance-of-payments deficits.
Chidambaram Demands Government Clarification on Trade Deal Impact
Adding to the political discourse, senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram has called for the government to provide a clear explanation regarding the impact of the Supreme Court's judgment on the trade deal announced on February 6 between the US and India. Chidambaram had previously warned that if the Supreme Court invalidated President Trump's tariff imposition, the situation would revert to the status quo ante before April 2, 2025.
"Meanwhile, the US has extracted several concessions from India without conceding any. What will happen to those concessions?" Chidambaram questioned. He highlighted key elements of the joint statement, including:
- Zero tariffs on numerous goods exported from the US to India
- India's intention to import USD 500 billion worth of goods from the US
- India's commitment to not purchase Russian oil
- India's pledge to address non-tariff barriers to US goods
"What will happen to those promises? An Indian team is now in the US to finalize the text of the Framework Agreement. What will the team do now?" Chidambaram emphasized, urging transparency and accountability from the government.
The convergence of domestic political criticism and international trade uncertainties has created a complex scenario, with opposition leaders leveraging the situation to challenge the government's handling of bilateral agreements and economic diplomacy.
