Rahul Slams Trade Deal, House Tensions Rise

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the Central government over the India–U.S. interim trade agreement during the debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. He claimed that the deal was one-sided and harmful to Indian farmers.

Speaking in the House, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of compromising the country’s interests. Using strong words, he said the government had “sold India” and even compared it to selling “Bharat Mata.” He questioned whether the government felt ashamed for signing an agreement that he believes hurts farmers and small producers.

He argued that trade agreements should protect the livelihoods of farmers and common people, not favour foreign countries. According to him, the current deal benefits the United States more than India.

Meanwhile, political tensions increased in Parliament over another issue involving Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The Opposition had submitted a notice seeking his removal from office. However, the Speaker asked the Lok Sabha Secretariat to correct certain shortcomings in the notice before proceeding further.

Sources said that Om Birla has decided not to preside over the House proceedings until the matter related to the removal notice is resolved. They said he took this decision on “moral grounds.”

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also spoke about the tense situation in Parliament. He said “very ugly scenes” could have occurred if BJP MPs had been allowed to directly confront Congress members on the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to reply

With heated exchanges, strong remarks, and procedural issues, the atmosphere in the Lok Sabha has remained tense as discussions on the Budget and other matters continue.