'Govt surrendered before Trump, sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre over India–US trade deal

Breaking days of parliamentary deadlock, Gandhi accused the Centre of compromising national interests and harming farmers’ livelihoods through the deal.

Addressing the House, Gandhi used strong language to criticise the agreement, alleging that the government had “sold India” by opening the domestic market to American goods.

‘Wholesale surrender’

In an emotionally charged speech, Gandhi questioned the government’s approach to negotiations with Washington.

Referring to the agreement, he accused the Centre of making sweeping concessions and endangering farmers by allowing increased access to US agricultural products.

“You have sold India. Are you not ashamed of selling India? You have sold our mother, Bharat Mata,” he said, describing the deal as a “complete surrender.”

Gandhi argued that India’s energy security and agricultural interests had been compromised under the framework of the agreement.

He claimed that if an INDIA Bloc government had been in power, it would have negotiated with former US President Donald Trump on equal terms rather than conceding ground.

He further alleged that the deal could lead to American agricultural goods flooding Indian markets, placing domestic farmers under pressure.

Rahul Gandhi said the textile sector would also face serious consequences.

Calling the moment “a tragedy,” Gandhi said the agreement had long-term implications for 1.5 billion Indians.

He reiterated that the country’s economic future, farmers and data security were at risk due to the trade pact.

Farmers and industry at centre of debate

Gandhi emphasised that farmers were already facing uncertainty and warned of turbulent times ahead.

He maintained that the entry of US agricultural products into India could trigger severe competition for local producers.

The Congress leader also raised concerns about the textile industry, alleging that it would struggle to withstand increased competition.

He framed the deal as a broader economic shift that could affect employment and domestic manufacturing.

As he concluded his address, Gandhi repeated his accusation that the nation’s core interests had been compromised under the agreement.

BJP’s swift and sharp counterattack

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party responded within minutes of Gandhi’s speech.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the allegations outright, stating that no one could “sell India” and accusing the Congress party of historically weakening the country.

Rijiju defended PM Narendra Modi, describing him as the “strongest Prime Minister of India” and asserting that the Congress was uncomfortable with India’s economic progress.

He further alleged that Gandhi frequently makes claims inside Parliament without substantiating them and leaves the House before hearing the government’s response.

Rijiju said the BJP would formally raise the matter with the Speaker and seek accountability for what he termed “baseless allegations.”

The minister said the Congress leader had made statements that could not be authenticated.

He accused Gandhi of lowering parliamentary standards and misrepresenting facts during his address.

A BJP spokesperson later described Gandhi’s remarks as an attempt to drag parliamentary decorum to its lowest level, calling his language and tone highly inappropriate.

Political tensions escalate over trade policy

The heated exchange underscores how the India–US trade agreement has become a flashpoint in domestic politics.

While the government has presented the deal as a step toward strengthening economic ties with Washington, the opposition has framed it as a concession-heavy arrangement that could impact sensitive sectors.