Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has termed the India-US trade agreement a betrayal of the country. Addressing a massive public gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, at the conclusion of the UDF's Puthuyuga Yatra, he alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has compromised India's interests in agriculture, energy, and data under American pressure, while the event saw the participation of senior leaders including KC Venugopal, Shashi Tharoor, and Sachin Pilot.
Impact on Agriculture and Farmers
During his address, Rahul Gandhi stated that the trade agreement would allow American agricultural products to flood the Indian market, potentially devastating small-scale farmers. He specifically highlighted sectors such as cotton, fruits, pulses, maize, and soybean, claiming they would be severely affected. According to Gandhi, this move prioritizes foreign commercial interests over the livelihood of domestic agricultural producers.
Concerns Over Energy and Data Sovereignty
The opposition leader raised significant concerns regarding energy security, stating that the Prime Minister has made commitments to the US President that restrict India's autonomy in oil procurement. He claimed that a powerful nation like India now requires approval to purchase oil from Russia. On top of that, he described Indian data as the world's most valuable asset and alleged that it has been handed over to the US, raising questions about national digital sovereignty.
Sabarimala Temple Issue and Local Governance
Rahul Gandhi also brought up the issue of gold theft from the sacred Sabarimala temple. He alleged that while some individuals were arrested, the investigation was prevented from reaching the higher levels of authority. He assured the public that if the UDF forms the government in the state, strict action will be taken against those who disrespect the temple's sanctity. Also, he congratulated cricketer Sanju Samson for his World Cup performance and praised the global contributions of the people of Kerala.
Welfare Schemes for Women and Students
Outlining the UDF's vision, Gandhi announced several social welfare measures. He stated that under a UDF administration, women would receive free travel in KSRTC buses. Female college students would be provided with a monthly financial assistance of ₹1000. He also promised to increase welfare pensions to ₹3000 per month and launch a new health insurance scheme worth ₹25 lakh named after the late Oommen Chandy.
Economic Support for Youth and Seniors
To boost entrepreneurship among the youth, Rahul Gandhi promised interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for starting new businesses. He also proposed the creation of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens to address their specific needs, while highlighting the challenges faced by Keralites working abroad, especially in the Middle East, he emphasized the need for the government to remain vigilant and protect the interests of its citizens in a volatile global environment.