Budget Session: Rahul Gandhi Alleges ‘Surrender’ to US
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Feb 11, 2026
- 577
The Lok Sabha witnessed a sharp political confrontation on Wednesday during the Budget debate, as Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the government of “selling out Mother India” through the India-US trade deal, triggering strong rebuttals from the Treasury benches.
Speaking during the discussion, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the trade agreement with the United States amounted to a “complete surrender.”
He claimed that under the deal, decisions such as oil imports would no longer be taken independently by India. “Now America will decide from whom we will buy oil. The Prime Minister will not decide for us,” he said.
Sitharaman Hits Back
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly refuted the allegations, accusing the Congress party of hypocrisy. She said it was the previous Congress-led government that had compromised India’s interests in international agreements.
“Congressmen say Modi surrendered. I will tell you who sold India. Congress sold it,” Sitharaman said. Referring to a trade facilitation agreement signed during a Congress regime, she alleged that it brought no tangible benefits to the country.
She further claimed that the Congress had compromised on farmers’ rights at the WTO, and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi corrected those positions in 2014.
Sitharaman also accused the Congress of failing to ensure food distribution to the poor during its tenure while now blaming the present government.
GST and Petrol Prices Spark Fresh War of Words
Responding to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee’s criticism of GST, Sitharaman dismissed his claim that citizens pay GST “from birth to death.” She questioned the factual basis of his statements, asking, “When was GST imposed on milk? When was it imposed on education?”
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, intervening from the Treasury benches, alleged that “cut money” was being charged in West Bengal — a remark that Sitharaman echoed.
She further challenged the West Bengal government to reduce state GST and cut fuel prices if it was serious about easing the burden on citizens.
“You can remove the state GST in Bengal. Why aren’t you doing so? Petrol prices there are ₹10 higher than in Delhi. Reduce them,” she said, accusing the Opposition of defaming the Centre while retaining revenue benefits.
Adani Case and ‘Epstein Files’ Remark Trigger Uproar
Earlier in the debate, Rahul Gandhi referred to the Epstein Files and the ongoing legal proceedings against the Adani Group in the United States. He alleged that the case against industrialist Gautam Adani was being used as leverage to put pressure on Prime Minister Modi.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju immediately objected, asking Gandhi to substantiate his claims. “Prove what you said,” Rijiju demanded.
Rahul Gandhi responded that he would provide evidence. “I will. I will provide all the evidence immediately,” he said.
However, the Speaker intervened during the exchange. Rijiju later stated that he would move a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi in Parliament over his remarks.
The Budget session continues to see intense exchanges between the Opposition and the ruling alliance, with trade policy, GST, federal taxation powers, and the Adani controversy emerging as major flashpoints.