New Delhi erupted in political fireworks on Thursday as opposition leaders unleashed a barrage of criticism against the government’s trade deal and new labor codes. The Lok Sabha session turned tense with accusations flying thick and fast, centering on alleged secret trade agreements, farmer welfare, and worker rights.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav led the charge, warning that zero-import duty on agricultural products under the trade deal could devastate Indian farmers and youth employment. ‘This policy will cripple our domestic agri-market,’ she asserted, accusing the government of prioritizing foreign interests over local livelihoods.
The controversy intensified with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju filing a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi. Opposition countered that this was a diversionary tactic to dodge scrutiny on the deal’s implications for national security, data privacy, and energy sectors.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended her stance, clarifying she merely urged calm during heated exchanges. ‘I was sitting quietly and spoke peacefully to the Speaker,’ she said, refuting claims of inciting unrest.
Ranjiit Ranjan of Congress echoed the sentiment, slamming the government’s defensive posture. ‘After 11 years in power, they can’t handle questions on farmer safety, energy security, or data protection,’ she remarked, emphasizing that democracy thrives on debate, not anger.
Rajiv Shukla highlighted historical contributions, crediting Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi for building India’s IT and tech backbone. ‘They constructed the nation; they didn’t sell it out,’ he declared.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised alarms over compromises on farmers’ and small traders’ rights in the deal, questioning the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. SP veteran Ram Gopal Yadav backed nationwide strikes by trade unions against labor codes, labeling them as moves to enslave workers.
As privilege motions loom, the opposition vows to keep pressing for transparency, signaling deeper rifts ahead in the parliamentary calendar.