New Delhi . During the budget session of Parliament, there was a huge uproar in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi made very serious allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government regarding the interim trade agreement with America. Participating in the discussion on the Union Budget, Rahul Gandhi claimed that through this agreement the government has held the future of 1.5 billion Indians hostage.
In his address, Rahul Gandhi strongly attacked the government and said that this agreement is a complete surrender to America for India’s energy security, farmers’ interests and textile sector. He said emotionally, how can you defend this agreement in the House? Aren’t you ashamed? You have sold India, you have sold our mother Bharat Mata.
Specifically mentioning the agriculture sector, the Congress leader said Indian farmers growing soybean, cotton, corn and red sorghum have been left at the mercy of huge American mechanized farms. He feared that India’s textile industry would be completely destroyed after the Bangladesh-US trade deal. Rahul Gandhi raised not only economic but also security concerns. He alleged that the government has handed over important data of the country to America. He questioned that no Prime Minister can be ready for such an agreement unless there is immense pressure on him. He alleged that the country’s interests have been sacrificed for a certain political financial structure and to avoid foreign legal matters. During his speech, Rahul Gandhi referred to the Epstein case and claimed that three lakh files were still closed. Taking names of some industrialists, he also targeted Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. However, Lok Sabha Speaker and sitting Jagdambika Pal stopped him from taking the names of those who are not members of the House.
Sharp reaction from the government
The government also took a tough stance on these sharp attacks of the opposition. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified in the House that India’s sovereignty is paramount and no one can sell or buy India. At the same time, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri later rejected Rahul Gandhi’s allegations in a press conference. He said that references to the Epstein files are being selectively and misinterpreted and are being used again and again only to make political splashes. The government argues that this trade agreement is a step towards making the Indian economy more competitive globally.