Tensions boiled over in Parliament today as opposition MPs grilled the Modi government over a controversial trade deal and overhauled labor codes. Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks sparked a privilege notice from Minister Kiren Rijiju, but critics say it’s a smokescreen for policy failures.
Dimple Yadav (SP) painted a grim picture: cheap agricultural imports flooding India at zero duty, threatening farmers’ incomes and rural jobs. She dismissed the privilege move as an attempt to shift focus from these ‘real issues.’
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recounted the Lok Sabha drama, insisting no abuses were hurled and her intervention was for peace. Congress’s Ranjiit Ranjan backed Rahul, questioning if national assets like data and energy are safe under the deal. ‘Debate strengthens democracy, rage doesn’t run the country,’ she quipped on Finance Minister’s outburst.
Rajiv Shukla invoked legacy leaders, attributing India’s mobile and IT revolution to Rajiv Gandhi’s vision. Meanwhile, Rajiv Rai criticized the labor codes as pro-corporate, ignoring farmers and unemployed youth, with selective privilege actions favoring the ruling side.
Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT) warned of rights erosion for small businesses and farmers. Ram Gopal Yadav endorsed union strikes against ‘Viksit Bharat’ plans, accusing the government of suppressing voices and pushing bonded labor laws.
The standoff underscores widening divides on economic policies, with opposition demanding detailed disclosures on trade terms to safeguard India’s growth trajectory.