PM sacrificing farmers over U.S. trade deal: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of destroying the foundation of India by allegedly agreeing to open the agriculture sector to the United States and vowed that farmers would not be sacrificed for political or financial interests.

Addressing a farmers’ convention (Karshaka Sangamam) at Peravoor town in Kerala’s Kannur district, Mr. Gandhi said, “Indian farmers form the foundation of the country, just as a building depends on its base.”

‘Agriculture remains backbone’

The Congress leader argued that while considerable attention is paid to sectors such as information technology (IT), agriculture remains the backbone without which no development is possible. He said farmers across the country consistently raised concerns about man-animal conflicts, lack of cold storage facilities, and failure to receive fair prices, including minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Referring to reports of a trade understanding with the U.S. President Donald Trump, Mr. Gandhi alleged that permitting American agricultural products such as soyabean, corn, and fruits into the Indian market would devastate small and marginal farmers in the country.

“Indian farmers are small with limited mechanisation, whereas American farmers are large and heavily mechanised, making the competitive competition unequal.”

Such a move, he claimed, would undermine gains made through the Green Revolution and White Revolution.

Mr. Gandhi further alleged that negotiations on the U.S.-India deal had stalled for months over agriculture, with the Indian government initially reluctant to open the sector. He claimed that pressure from the U.S. and political vulnerabilities had forced a shift in position.

He also alleged that he was prevented from speaking during the President’s address in Parliament when he intended to raise two issues: unreleased Epstein files in the U.S. and the Adani case in American courts.

Citing businessman Gautam Adani, Mr. Gandhi claimed legal proceedings involving the Adani Group in the U.S. had placed the Prime Minister under pressure. He claimed that these factors had led to decisions that compromised Indian farmers’ interests.

‘Contribute to UDF manifesto’

Turning to Kerala, the Congress leader urged farmers to contribute to the United Democratic Front’s manifesto building process. He said a future UDF government in the State would treat farmers and labourers as the foundation of Kerala’s economy and act as a service provider rather than waiting for grievances to be brought forward.

He outlined key priorities including guaranteed MSP, establishment of cold chain and storage infrastructure and timely protection during crisis.

Drawing from his experience as a former MP from Wayanad, he acknowledged the severity of man-animal conflicts in the region and promised that a future government would address it with sensitivity and technological intervention, engaging experts to develop practical solutions.