Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi unleashed a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a public event in Gaya, mocking his understanding of the India-US trade deal as fundamentally flawed. ‘His skull is inverted,’ Manjhi remarked bluntly to reporters, addressing Gandhi’s accusations that the agreement harms Indian agriculture.
The HAM chief elaborated that the deal promises substantial gains for the vast majority. ‘It directly benefits 95 percent of people, securing futures for millions of farmers,’ he stated. Manjhi lambasted the opposition for sensationalizing isolated problems that impact only a marginal 5 percent.
Drawing from a late-night discussion on the issue, Manjhi argued that rejecting an entire deal over minor frictions defies logic. ‘You can’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. Five percent trade-offs are par for the course in global pacts,’ he added.
Gandhi’s persistent critiques in Lok Sabha frame the deal as a capitulation to US agribusiness giants, potentially devastating local farmers. Yet Manjhi portrayed it as a strategic boon, enabling Indian produce to penetrate lucrative American markets and drive rural prosperity.
The minister’s retort comes amid heightened scrutiny of the trade negotiations, with opposition parties rallying against perceived inequities. Manjhi’s comments signal the NDA’s firm stance, positioning the deal as a cornerstone of India’s economic resurgence.
As political tempers flare, this clash reveals stark visions for India’s trade future—one wary of foreign influence, the other embracing global opportunities.