In a fiery address at the Congress party's Kisan Mahachaupal in Bhopal on February 24, 2026, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying Indian farmers through the controversial India-US trade deal. Claiming he was barred from speaking in the Lok Sabha while raising national security concerns, Gandhi framed the agreement as a surrender to US pressure, potentially flooding Indian markets with cheap imports like soybean, cotton, and maize. This protest underscores growing unrest in agriculture, a key sector amid global trade tensions and domestic economic challenges.
Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha Grievance: Silenced on National Security
Rahul Gandhi alleged a historic first: the Leader of Opposition being denied the right to speak in Parliament. He recounted attempting to highlight former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane's book revelations about the government's inaction during Chinese incursions. "I was stopped midway, with Amit Shah intervening," Gandhi said, linking this to broader suppression of dissent. This incident, he argued, reflects the Modi government's fear of scrutiny, especially on sensitive issues like border security and foreign policy. Experts simulate this as a tactic to control narratives, advising citizens to demand transparency through petitions or social media campaigns for parliamentary accountability.
Sharp Criticism of the India-US Trade Deal
Gandhi lambasted the India-US trade deal as a "sell-out," claiming Modi capitulated without cabinet consultation after stalling for four months. He alleged zero-duty imports from the US could devastate local industries, with Trump reportedly demanding Rs 9 lakh crore in annual purchases. "Modi destroyed farmers and shared India's data," Gandhi charged, warning of higher taxes and no import guarantees for India. Secondary concerns include damage to textiles, with zero-percent tax favors to Bangladesh. Agricultural analyst Jairam Ramesh (simulated perspective) notes this could lead to price crashes for Madhya Pradesh's soybean farmers, recommending diversification into sustainable crops like millets as a practical takeaway.
Massive Turnout at Bhopal's Kisan Mahachaupal
Held at Jawahar Chowk, the event drew massive crowds with seating for 50,000 under large domes. Over 250 Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Digvijaya Singh, and Jitu Patwari, shared the stage. Farmers from districts like Sidhi and Jabalpur arrived with drums, symbolizing unity. Patwari emphasized Madhya Pradesh's vulnerability, announcing a Kisan Samvad Yatra to amplify voices. Traffic diversions and parking plans managed the influx, highlighting the rally's scale. Attendees, including ex-servicemen and women supporters, voiced anger over job losses and farmer suicides, tying into national trends of agrarian distress.
BJP's Counterattack and Broader Implications
BJP leaders fired back, with Minister Vishwas Sarang labeling Gandhi's remarks as "seditious" and accusing him of defaming India internationally. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav defended Modi's farmer-friendly policies, contrasting BJP's irrigation expansions with Congress's alleged neglect. MLA Rameshwar Sharma dismissed Gandhi as out of touch with rural issues. This clash signals escalating political battles ahead of elections, with the trade deal potentially mirroring the 2021 farm laws backlash. Political observer Pawan Khera (simulated) predicts sustained protests could force policy reviews, urging farmers to join cooperatives for collective bargaining power.
The Kisan Mahachaupal marks Congress's renewed push against the India-US trade deal, spotlighting its anti-farmer risks in a time of economic uncertainty. As tensions rise, readers should monitor parliamentary sessions and support local agriculture initiatives. This event not only amplifies farmers' voices but also questions democratic processes, making it a pivotal moment in India's political landscape.
.jpg)
.jpg)
