Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of ‘Selling India’ in Fiery Budget Debate
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a strong attack. He spoke in the Lok Sabha on February 11, 2026. This occurred during the Union Budget debate. Gandhi directed sharp criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused the government of “selling India.” This is current political news. The remarks focused on the recent India-US interim trade agreement. Gandhi called the deal a “wholesale surrender.”
Farmers’ Interests and Trade Deal
Gandhi stated farmers’ interests were severely harmed. He warned that US agricultural products would flood Indian markets. This would hurt domestic producers. The Indian textile industry is also in trouble. Gandhi claimed it is “finished.” This represents a significant blow.
India’s Tariffs and Data Control
The trade deal increased Indian tariffs. They rose from an average of 3% to 18%. This is a six-fold increase. Gandhi alleged India surrendered control. This included digital trade rules. Data localization safeguards were also conceded. He highlighted a 20-year tax holiday. This benefits large tech companies. Furthermore, energy security is a major concern. Gandhi suggested the US now dictates India’s oil purchases. The agreement allegedly compromises national sovereignty.
Accusations of Pressure and Compromise
Gandhi claimed Prime Minister Modi acted under duress. He stated Modi was “choked.” Gandhi suggested fear was visible in the PM’s eyes. He linked these pressures to US legal cases. These involved the Adani Group. Gandhi also referenced the Epstein files. The government, he asserted, was forced to sign the deal. This implies a lack of independent decision-making.
An Equal Negotiation Stance
Gandhi outlined a different approach. He described how the INDIA bloc would negotiate. They would treat the US as an equal partner. Indian data is a key national asset. India’s energy security is non-negotiable. Farmers’ interests would also be paramount. This highlights a contrast in negotiation strategy.
Government Rebuttal
The government rejected Gandhi’s allegations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal responded. He assured that farmers’ welfare was a priority. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju offered a strong rebuttal. He stated that India cannot be sold. The government maintains national interests are protected.
Broader Implications and Current News
Gandhi’s speech was a significant event. It added a dramatic element to budget discussions. The remarks highlight deep political divisions. They raise questions about India’s trade policy. The importance of data in international relations is clear. This is a trending topic in national discourse. This news continues to be analyzed.
Conclusion
Rahul Gandhi’s address was intensely critical. He used forceful language against the Prime Minister. The core accusations centered on national interests. The India-US trade deal was the focal point. This sharp exchange fuels ongoing political debate. It underscores the complex challenges in international trade. The ramifications are significant. The nation watches these developments closely.
