Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of the BJP‑led NDA government on Saturday, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “made an agreement that is likely to inflict deep damage” on cotton farmers and textile exporters.
Gandhi’s video on the US‑Bangladesh deal
Gandhi posted a video on X highlighting a conditional zero‑tariff provision in the Trump administration’s trade deal with Dhaka. The clause grants Bangladesh a 0% tariff on garment exports to the United States provided the raw cotton is purchased from the United States.
He wrote in Hindi, “18% Tariff vs 0% — Let me explain how the expert liar Prime Minister and his cabinet are spreading confusion on this issue.” He added that when he asked a minister in Parliament why Bangladesh received a special concession, the reply was, “If we also want the same benefit, we will have to import cotton from America.”
Gandhi questioned why the condition had not been disclosed earlier and warned that importing American cotton would “ruin our own farmers,” while refusing it would cause the textile industry to “lag behind and get destroyed.” He also claimed Bangladesh might curb its cotton imports from India, affecting “crores of people’s daily bread.”
Government’s rebuttal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal dismissed Gandhi’s narrative as “stage‑managed,” “artificial” and “baseless,” accusing him of misleading farmers. In a video on X, Goyal asserted that the interests of all farmers have been “fully protected” and said, “When I say fully protected, I say it on record and with full responsibility.”
When asked about the zero‑tariff provision for Bangladesh, Goyal told a television channel that India could also obtain a similar clause and that “the finer details are being worked.”
Parliamentary motion for expulsion
The BJP is preparing to use a parliamentary instrument of a “substantive motion” to seek Rahul Gandhi’s expulsion from the Lok Sabha. MP Nishikant Dubey has filed the motion, alleging that Gandhi misrepresented the India‑US trade agreement and demanded that he substantiate his claims with evidence.
If the Speaker admits the motion, it would trigger a formal vote that could lead to Gandhi’s removal from the House. The BJP has said it will also request a probe by a parliamentary panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the conditional zero‑tariff clause mentioned by Rahul Gandhi?
The clause, part of the US‑Bangladesh trade deal, allows Bangladesh’s garment exports to enter the United States with 0% tariffs only if the raw cotton used is purchased from the United States.
What does a “substantive motion” mean in this context?
A substantive motion is a parliamentary instrument that, if admitted by the Speaker, mandates a formal vote. If the motion passes, it could result in the expulsion of the member against whom This proves filed.
What are the possible outcomes for Rahul Gandhi if the motion proceeds?
If the motion is admitted and a majority supports it, Gandhi could be expelled from the Lok Sabha. The BJP also intends to seek a parliamentary probe into his statements.
How do you think this trade debate might influence the upcoming parliamentary proceedings?
