Rahul Gandhi Slams US Trade Deal, BJP Seeks His Expulsion

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has significantly escalated his criticism against the BJP-led NDA government concerning the recently concluded India-US interim trade agreement, alleging that the deal is poised to inflict severe damage upon India's vital cotton farming and textile sectors. Gandhi articulated his concerns by pointing out a perceived disparity in tariffs, stating that Indian garment exports to the United States are subject to an 18% duty, whereas Bangladesh enjoys a zero-tariff benefit for its garment exports to the US, provided it sources cotton from America. This conditional zero-tariff access for Bangladesh, he argued, creates a highly disadvantageous situation for Indian producers. In a video released on X (formerly Twitter) and during parliamentary discussions, Gandhi emphasized the critical dilemma India faces. He warned that if India chooses to import American cotton to avail similar tariff benefits, it would inevitably ruin domestic cotton farmers. Conversely, if India abstains from importing US cotton, its textile industry risks falling behind and being destroyed by cheaper Bangladeshi exports to the US market. He further claimed that Bangladesh is already signaling a potential reduction or complete halt of cotton imports from India, which would exacerbate the challenges for Indian farmers. Gandhi labeled the deal a 'trap' that places India in a 'well in front, ditch behind' scenario, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet of misleading the nation and 'cheating' cotton farmers and textile exporters. He asserted that the textile industry and cotton farming are the backbone of livelihoods for crores of people in India, and attacking these sectors would push millions into unemployment and economic distress. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal swiftly countered Rahul Gandhi's accusations, dismissing them as 'immature' and indicative of a lack of understanding of economic frameworks. Goyal clarified that Indian exporters are eligible for the same zero-duty benefits as Bangladesh if they also import cotton or yarn from the United States. He argued that Gandhi was spreading 'misinformation' and 'falsehoods,' and that the Congress party was frustrated and resorting to fabricated claims. Goyal also highlighted that tariffs on Indian goods entering the US have already seen a significant reduction, dropping from a previous 50% to 18% under the new interim agreement. He maintained that farmers' interests have been fully safeguarded in the deal. Simultaneously, the political fallout from Gandhi's remarks intensified within Parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey initiated a 'substantive motion' seeking Rahul Gandhi's expulsion from the Lok Sabha and a permanent ban from contesting elections. This strong move by the ruling party follows Gandhi's aggressive address in the Lok Sabha during the Union Budget debate, where he not only criticized the India-US trade deal but also accused the government of 'selling the nation' and compromising farmers' interests and energy security. Dubey's motion, distinct from a privilege motion, alleges that Gandhi has engaged with entities like the Soros Foundation, Ford Foundation, and USAID, and is linked with 'anti-India forces,' citing his travels and consistent criticism of constitutional authorities. The BJP MP further demanded an inquiry into what he termed Gandhi's 'unethical conduct'. The Congress party, however, remained defiant, with General Secretary K. C. Venugopal stating that the party is not concerned by such motions and is ready to face any action. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the principal opposition party, the Indian National Congress, impacting national discourse on trade policy, economic strategy, and parliamentary conduct. The India-US interim trade agreement itself, announced on February 7, 2026, aims to boost bilateral trade and includes reciprocal tariff reductions, with India prepared to offer zero or reduced tariffs on certain US imports.

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