TNI Bureau: Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday vowed to continue fighting for farmers’ interests, intensifying his criticism of the Centre over the India–US interim trade agreement and recent parliamentary confrontations during the Budget session.
Posting in social media, Gandhi said, “File FIRs, register cases, or bring privilege motions — I will fight for farmers. Any trade deal that snatches away farmers’ livelihoods or weakens the country’s food security is anti-farmer. We will not allow the anti-farmer Modi government to compromise the interests of our food providers.”
The political row escalated after Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP, submitted a notice in the Lok Sabha seeking a substantive motion against Gandhi, alleging that he misled the nation and was linked with “anti-national” forces. Dubey’s remarks during Zero Hour triggered protests in the House and led to adjournment for the day.
A substantive motion is an independent proposal placed before the House to express a decision or opinion and requires parliamentary debate and approval if accepted.
Gandhi also addressed a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party, where he praised party MPs for raising public issues during the Budget session and criticised the India–US interim trade agreement, calling it harmful to farmers’ interests. He urged party members to stand firmly with farmers and take the message to the public.
The trade agreement has sparked protests across the country, with farmers, trade unions, and farm groups expressing concern that reduced trade barriers and increased imports could impact domestic agriculture and rural incomes. Critics argue the deal could expose Indian farmers to unfair competition from subsidised foreign products.
The government, however, has defended the agreement, stating that key agricultural sectors have been protected and that the deal will strengthen economic cooperation and benefit exporters.
The issue is expected to remain a major point of political debate as Parliament’s Budget session continues.
