Tue Feb 24 12:18:22 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Rahul Gandhi Demands Scrapping of India-U.S. Trade Deal, Citing Farmer Interests and Allegations of Pressure
The Story:
On February 24, 2026, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a ‘Kisan Mahachaupal’ in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where he vehemently criticized the India-U.S. trade deal. Gandhi called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap the agreement, claiming it harms Indian farmers. He alleged that the deal was struck under pressure from then-U.S. President Donald Trump due to the Epstein files and to benefit industrialist Adani. Gandhi also accused PM Modi of bypassing key Union ministers during the deal’s negotiation.
Key Points:
* Rahul Gandhi addressed a ‘Kisan Mahachaupal’ in Bhopal on February 24, 2026.
* He demanded PM Modi scrap the India-U.S. trade deal.
* Gandhi claimed the deal is against the interests of Indian farmers.
* He alleged PM Modi was pressured by Donald Trump and acted to protect Adani.
* He stated key ministers were not consulted during the trade deal’s negotiation.
* Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge labeled PM Modi a “coward” and the deal a “surrender.”
Critical Analysis:
The timing of Gandhi’s attack coincides with PM Modi’s planned visit to Israel and criticism from the Congress party regarding perceived abandonment of the Palestinian cause. This suggests a multi-pronged strategy by the opposition to undermine the Modi government’s foreign policy and economic decisions by linking them to controversial international figures (Trump/Epstein) and domestic business interests (Adani). Furthermore, the Panama Canal situation might be leveraged to show other foreign policy failures.
Key Takeaways:
* The Congress party is aggressively targeting the India-U.S. trade deal as a point of attack against the Modi government.
* Accusations of external pressure and internal corruption are central to the Congress party’s narrative.
* The timing of the accusations is strategically aligned with other foreign policy events to maximize impact.
* Farmer welfare remains a key political battleground.
Impact Analysis:
Gandhi’s accusations could potentially undermine public confidence in the trade deal, especially among farmers. This could lead to increased pressure on the Modi government to renegotiate or reconsider aspects of the agreement. The allegations of corruption and lack of transparency could also have long-term implications for the government’s credibility, particularly if further evidence emerges to support these claims. This event could be a catalyst for further political polarization and protests related to trade and agricultural policy.
First Piper 