Union minister Giriraj Singh has launched a fierce attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Congress leader of misleading farmers and attempting to sow discord as political tensions sharpen over the proposed interim trade understanding between New Delhi and Washington.Speaking on Thursday, Singh described Gandhi as spreading falsehoods about the contours of the India–US trade discussions and alleged that the opposition was attempting to create instability because it had failed to regain power at the Centre. His remarks come at a time when debate over agricultural safeguards and tariff concessions has intensified across party lines.
Singh, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and currently serving as Union Minister for Textiles, said Gandhi’s criticism of the government’s handling of trade negotiations was aimed at “confusing farmers” and undermining confidence in the country’s economic direction. He claimed the Congress leader was misrepresenting the nature of the interim arrangement under discussion, particularly in relation to market access and agricultural imports.
Gandhi, who represents Wayanad in the Lok Sabha and has been a vocal critic of the government’s economic policies, has repeatedly questioned the transparency of trade negotiations with the United States. He has argued that any agreement must protect small and marginal farmers, warning that reduced tariffs on agricultural products could expose domestic producers to cheaper imports. Congress leaders have also demanded that Parliament be taken into confidence before any binding commitments are made.
The interim trade framework under discussion between New Delhi and Washington is part of a broader effort to stabilise commercial ties that have seen friction over tariffs, digital trade rules and agricultural standards. Both sides have indicated a willingness to resolve outstanding disputes and expand bilateral trade, which has grown steadily over the past decade, making the United States one of the country’s largest trading partners.
Government officials have maintained that negotiations remain focused on mutual benefit and that core agricultural interests will not be compromised. Commerce ministry representatives have previously stated that sensitive sectors, including dairy and staple crops, remain protected under existing policy frameworks. Singh echoed that position, asserting that no decision would be taken that harms farmers’ livelihoods.
The political exchange reflects a familiar pattern in national politics, where trade policy often becomes a flashpoint for broader ideological battles. Agriculture remains a deeply sensitive issue, particularly after the large-scale protests that erupted over the farm reform laws introduced in 2020 and later withdrawn. Opposition parties continue to frame trade and reform initiatives as potential threats to rural incomes, while the government argues that integration with global markets is essential for long-term growth.
Singh’s remarks also highlight the increasingly personalised nature of political discourse. By characterising Gandhi’s statements as deliberate attempts to mislead and provoke, the minister escalated rhetoric at a time when Parliament has witnessed repeated disruptions over economic and governance issues. BJP leaders have sought to portray the opposition as obstructive, while Congress has accused the government of avoiding substantive debate.
Analysts note that trade negotiations with Washington have long been complex. Previous efforts to finalise a limited trade package stalled over disagreements on market access for agricultural products, medical devices and digital services. Progress in recent months has been described by officials as incremental rather than transformative, with both sides signalling cautious optimism about resolving specific tariff disputes before pursuing a more comprehensive agreement.
Within rural constituencies, the prospect of increased imports remains contentious. Farmer unions have called for detailed disclosure of any concessions that could affect procurement prices or domestic subsidies. Agricultural economists, however, point out that bilateral trade deals often include phased implementation and safeguard clauses designed to protect vulnerable sectors.
Gandhi’s broader political strategy has centred on mobilising rural and youth voters through sustained criticism of economic management and unemployment levels. His party has attempted to frame trade and investment policies as favouring large corporations at the expense of small producers. Singh rejected that narrative, arguing that the government’s economic reforms and external partnerships are aimed at expanding export opportunities and strengthening manufacturing.