Rahul Gandhi Intensifies Criticism of India-US Trade Deal, Poses Direct Questions to PM Modi
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday escalated his attacks on the central government regarding the India–US trade deal, reiterating his allegation that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led administration has "betrayed farmers" in the context of the agreement. He also presented a series of "straightforward questions" aimed directly at the prime minister, demanding transparency on agricultural implications.
Five Key Questions Raised by Rahul Gandhi on Social Media
In a detailed post on X, the former Congress president outlined five critical inquiries addressed to PM Modi, focusing on potential impacts on Indian agriculture and sovereignty:
- Import of DDG: "What does importing DDG actually mean? Does it imply that Indian livestock will be fed distillers’ grain produced from genetically modified American maize? Could this lead to dependency of our dairy products on the American agricultural industry?"
- GM Soya Oil Imports: "If we permit imports of genetically modified soya oil, what consequences will our soya farmers in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan face? How will they manage another potential price shock?"
- Additional Products Clause: "When the term 'additional products' is used, what specific items does it encompass? Is this an indication of future pressures to open Indian markets to American imports of pulses and other essential crops over time?"
- Removal of Non-Trade Barriers: "What does eliminating 'non-trade barriers' entail? Will there be external pressure on India to relax its stance on GM crops, weaken procurement systems, or reduce minimum support prices and bonuses for farmers?"
- Long-Term Safeguards: "Once this trade door is opened, how can we prevent it from widening annually? Are there adequate safeguards in place, or will more crops be gradually included in future deals?"
Rahul Gandhi emphasized that farmers deserve clear answers to these issues and concluded with a broader concern about India's autonomous decision-making in trade, stating, "This isn’t just about today. It’s about the future too – are we allowing another country to gain long-term control over India’s agricultural industry?"
Amit Shah's Strong Rebuttal and Defense of Trade Agreements
In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a counterattack, accusing Rahul Gandhi of "spreading lies" about India's recent trade deals with the United States and the European Union. Speaking at the launch event of Gujarat’s Central Bank Digital Currency, Shah dismissed the criticism as "laughable lies" intended to mislead rural voters.
Shah asserted, "He is misleading people about the free trade agreements with the European Union and the UK, and claiming that the trade agreement with the United States has harmed farmers’ interests. I challenge Rahul Gandhi: set up any platform, and the president of the BJP’s youth wing will debate you on who has actually caused harm."
He further reassured farmers, stating, "Today, I have come to this platform to tell the farmers of the country that Rahul Gandhi is lying; he is misleading them. In the FTAs with the UK and the European Union, and the trade deal with the US, farmers have been fully protected by PM Modi. No one needs to worry." Shah highlighted that these agreements are meticulously structured to safeguard core agricultural interests while expanding India's global trade footprint.
The exchange underscores ongoing political tensions over trade policies, with both sides presenting starkly different narratives on the implications for India's agricultural sector and economic sovereignty.
