Rahul Gandhi Challenges PM Modi: Cancel Trade Deal After US Court Stay

Addressing the Kisan Maha-Chaupal in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a direct attack on the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress MP focused his criticism on the recent trade agreement with the United States and the ongoing border issues with China. Gandhi asserted that following the US Supreme Court's decision to stay certain tariffs, the Prime Minister should demonstrate the resolve to cancel the trade deal. He alleged that the agreement is detrimental to the interests of Indian farmers, particularly those involved in the cultivation of soybean, cotton, and maize.

Allegations Regarding the US-India Trade Agreement

During his address, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the trade negotiations between India and the US had been stalled for four months due to concerns regarding the agricultural sector. He stated that the government was initially hesitant to allow large American corporations to sell soybean, cotton, and maize in the Indian market, a move he claimed no Indian farmer supports, while according to Gandhi, Prime Minister Modi bypassed his cabinet and contacted former US President Donald Trump to finalize the deal. He further alleged that this decision was made abruptly, compromising the welfare of Indian farmers and involving the sharing of national data with the US.

References to General Naravane’s Memoirs and Border Security

M. Naravane to question the government's handling of border security, while he alleged that during a period when Chinese tanks were reportedly advancing towards the Indian boundary, the Army Chief sought instructions from Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Gandhi claimed that according to the book, the Army Chief received no immediate response from the top leadership. He stated that at a critical juncture when military orders were required, the Prime Minister was unavailable, leaving the Army Chief to manage the situation without clear executive guidance.

Claims of Parliamentary Obstruction and Executive Decisions

The Leader of Opposition raised concerns about the functioning of the Lok Sabha, alleging that for the first time in the country's history, the Leader of Opposition was prevented from speaking after the President's address. Gandhi claimed that his attempts to quote General Naravane's book were repeatedly blocked in the House. He further alleged that shortly after he attempted to raise these issues in Parliament, the Prime Minister contacted Donald Trump to confirm India's readiness to sign the trade deal. Gandhi questioned whether the Prime Minister had consulted relevant stakeholders or state leaders before making such a significant international commitment.

Assertions on International Pressure and Corporate Links

Rahul Gandhi also touched upon international legal matters, referencing the 'Epstein files' in the United States and criminal cases involving the Adani Group. He alleged that the release of certain names in connection with international files was a tactic to exert pressure on the Indian government. On top of that, he pointed to the legal challenges faced by Gautam Adani in the US, asserting that the Adani Group serves as a primary financial structure for the ruling party. Gandhi alleged that these external pressures and corporate interests influenced the government's decision to expedite the trade agreement with the United States.