A fiery debate unfolded in the Lok Sabha between Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, following Gandhi's comments on the India-US trade agreement.
In his Wednesday address to the Lower House, Rahul accused the government of having 'sold' India through the interim trade agreement with the US, further describing the newly announced deal as a 'complete capitulation.'
During the Leader of the Opposition's address, Rijiju interjected, stating that the Congress leader was reiterating his comments. The union minister noted that the Leader of the Opposition's statements carried 'serious implications' and requested Rahul to provide further validation for his claims.
The union minister remarked, 'You keep reiterating the same point. We've informed you from the start...'
Rijiju added, "Rahul Gandhi continued to repeat it. We even suggested moving on to the next topic, expressing our willingness to listen. However, you repeated it again. You mentioned the Prime Minister's name, and the terms you used along with the accusations you made - I want to request and insist through the Chair that you must verify whatever allegations you have made, despite the Chair's objections."
The union minister for parliamentary affairs stated that Rahul, in his role as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is not just an ordinary member of Parliament. "When you address certain issues, they carry significant implications. I would advise the Leader of the Opposition that all the points he has raised have serious consequences. He must verify all the accusations he has put forward," he said to Rahul.
Subsequently, the Congress leader mentioned he would verify his remarks without delay. Speaking to the Chair, Rahul stated, “I will verify right now. Allow me to verify, as he has requested me to do so. I will proceed immediately. I am verifying.” Nonetheless, Jagdambika Pal clarified that Rahul was not required to verify, explaining that it was the union parliamentary affairs minister who had requested it, not the Chair.
What were Rahul's comments regarding the trade agreement between India and the US?
The Leader of the Opposition described the trade agreement as a 'capitulation' of '1.5 billion Indians', claiming that the BJP aimed to safeguard its 'financial framework.'
“Rahul described it as a tragedy, stating that it represents not only the Prime Minister's capitulation but also the forfeiture of the future for 1.5 billion Indians. He accused the Prime Minister of capitulating to safeguard the BJP's financial framework. Additionally, he claimed that India's energy security had been ceded to the US and that the interests of Indian farmers had been undermined.
The Leader of the Opposition stated, 'You acknowledge that we are in the midst of a global crisis, that the time of a single superpower has ended, that geopolitical tensions are escalating, and that energy and financial systems are being used as weapons. However, despite recognizing this situation, you have permitted the United States to use energy and financial systems as tools that affect us.'
Rahul raised concerns about the U.S. warning to India against purchasing oil from Russia, stating that India's energy security is being influenced by external forces. The Leader of the Opposition remarked that no Prime Minister would agree to such terms unless they were under significant pressure.
