Novel Delhi – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday intensified his criticism of a recent trade agreement between India and the United States, alleging the deal will harm Indian cotton farmers and textile exporters. Gandhi’s claims center on a conditional zero-tariff clause granted to Bangladesh by the US, contingent on sourcing cotton from American suppliers.
Gandhi detailed his concerns in a post on X, accompanied by a video explaining the tariff discrepancies. He stated, “Bangladesh is being given 0% tariff benefit on garment exports to the US — the only condition is that they import American cotton. After the announcement of 18% tariff on Indian garments, when I raised the question in Parliament about the special concession being given to Bangladesh, the reply from a minister of the Modi government was: ‘If we also want the same benefit, we will have to import cotton from America.’”
He argued that importing American cotton would devastate Indian farmers, while refusing to do so would disadvantage the Indian textile industry. “Now Bangladesh is also giving signals that it may reduce or even stop importing cotton from India,” Gandhi claimed, asserting that the livelihoods of millions depend on these sectors. He contrasted this with what he described as a “visionary government” that would prioritize and protect national interests.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal swiftly rebutted Gandhi’s assertions, labeling them “stage-managed,” “artificial,” and “baseless.” Goyal insisted that the interests of Indian farmers were “fully protected,” stating on X, “When I say fully protected, I say it on record and with full responsibility.” He also indicated that India could potentially secure a similar zero-tariff clause for its exports, adding, “The finer details are being worked.”
The escalating dispute coincides with a move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to initiate parliamentary proceedings that could lead to Gandhi’s expulsion from the Lok Sabha. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has proposed a “substantive motion” alleging that Gandhi misled the nation with his claims. If the Speaker admits the motion, a formal vote will be held, potentially resulting in Gandhi’s removal from Parliament.
The BJP’s complaint extends beyond the trade agreement. It also centers on Gandhi’s references to an unpublished autobiography by former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane. Gandhi cited the book to allege that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “abdicated his responsibility” during the 2020 border conflict with China and that the Agnipath recruitment scheme was imposed on the armed forces without adequate consultation. The BJP contends that the book lacks official clearance from the Ministry of Defence and accuses Gandhi of selectively quoting and misrepresenting Naravane’s statements to undermine the armed forces.
According to a report from the Times of India, the BJP plans to use the parliamentary motion to demand that Gandhi substantiate his allegations with evidence. The BJP argues that Gandhi’s claims are unsubstantiated and harmful to national interests.
The Hindustan Times reported in May 2024 that Gandhi previously accepted an invitation for a public debate with Prime Minister Modi on the Lok Sabha elections, expressing hope that the Prime Minister would participate. This offer came in response to a proposal from retired judges and a senior journalist seeking a platform for the leaders to present their visions for the country.
As of Saturday, Prime Minister Modi had not publicly responded to Gandhi’s latest criticisms or the invitation for a debate. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has not yet announced a decision on the proposed motion for Gandhi’s expulsion.