Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of a trade deal between India and the US, alleging it will negatively impact Indian cotton farmers and textile exporters. Gandhi claims the agreement, which provides tariff benefits to Bangladesh contingent on importing American cotton, disadvantages India’s textile industry.
Gandhi’s Claims Regarding US-Bangladesh Trade Deal
Gandhi shared a video on X, highlighting the conditional zero-tariff clause in the trade deal between the Trump administration and Bangladesh. The clause stipulates zero tariffs on Bangladeshi textile exports to the US, provided the raw material – cotton – is sourced from the United States.
He stated that after the announcement of an 18% tariff on Indian garments, when he raised the issue in Parliament, a minister from the Modi government responded that India would need to import cotton from America to receive similar benefits. “Why was this fact hidden from the country till now?” Gandhi questioned, calling the situation a flawed policy choice.
Gandhi argued that importing American cotton would harm Indian farmers, while failing to do so would leave India’s textile industry at a disadvantage. He also claimed Bangladesh may reduce or halt cotton imports from India, potentially impacting the livelihoods of millions.
Government Response
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal refuted Gandhi’s criticism, accusing him of spreading “stage-managed,” “artificial,” and “baseless” narratives intended to mislead Indian farmers. Goyal asserted that the interests of all farmers are “fully protected.”
Regarding the zero-tariff provision for Bangladesh, Goyal indicated that India could also secure a similar clause, stating that the details are currently being finalized.
Expulsion Threat
Gandhi’s statements come as the BJP plans to pursue a “substantive motion” in Parliament to expel him. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is seeking the motion, alleging Gandhi misled the nation with his assertions.
The BJP’s complaint centers on Gandhi’s claims regarding the trade agreement and his references to an unpublished autobiography by former Indian Army chief General MM Naravane. The party alleges Gandhi misrepresented the agreement and selectively cited the book to criticize the government’s handling of the 2020 border conflict with China and the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
The BJP argues that Gandhi’s claims lack evidence and aim to demoralize the armed forces and spread misinformation. The proposed motion would trigger a formal debate and vote on Gandhi’s potential expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
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