PM Modi Defends Trade Deals, Budget 2026; Congress, Rahul Gandhi Flag Farmer Betrayal Concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India negotiated recent trade pacts with the United States, EU and New Zealand from a position of strength, crediting manufacturing, growth and MSME, while criticising the UPA government for weak outcomes between 2004 and 2014. In an interview to PTI, he described Budget 2026 as reform driven and infrastructure focused. The Congress called the interview a scripted PR exercise to deflect criticism over the trade deal and farmers’ concerns. Jairam Ramesh said the budget showed intellectual exhaustion and that markets reacted negatively. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi termed the proposed US trade deal a betrayal of farmers, raising concerns over dried grains and GM soybean oil imports, possible impact on MSP procurement, non trade barriers and India’s stand on GM crops. He demanded transparency and said farmers deserve clear answers on the long term future of agriculture. Courtesy : Times Now Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesnow.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi demands PM Modi reply to 5 ‘simple queries’ on India-US trade deal
NEW DELHI: Resuming his aggression against the India-US trade deal, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asked five “simple questions” that he said PM Narendra Modi must answer since “farmers deserve clarity” if “we are giving another country a long-term grip on India’s agricultural system”. Rahul asked if provisions in the interim trade deal, as mentioned in the joint statement, suggests that India will be importing pulses and grains that are not explicitly mentioned in the statement, and if India will be opening the hitherto shut door through which the US can in future put more and more items on the table for import by India. He asked what the fate will be of soya farmers in MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other states of the country if India imports GM soya oil from the US, and if farmers will survive “another price shock”. He asked the PM to clarify what comprises “additional products” mentioned in the statement for reduction or elimination of tariffs. “Does it signal pressure to open up pulses and other sensitive crops to US imports over time?” the Congress MP asked. Referring to the proposed import of DDG, Rahul asked if feeding Indian cattle the distillers grain made of GM American corn will not “effectively integrate our dairy chain with the US agricultural system”. Rahul also urged the PM to clarify if removing “non tariff barriers” implies that India will be pushed to dilute its stand against GM crops, weaken procurement, or undermine MSP and bonuses in the future. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Tarique Rahman puts Bangladesh first in foreign policy; Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal row; & more
BNP chief Tarique Rahman pledges Bangladesh first foreign policy after landslide win. Piyush Goyal hits back at Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal, says pact will boost textiles and farmers. Metro Line-4 parapet collapse in Mulund kills one, injures three; CM Fadnavis orders probe. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revives handshake row ahead of India–Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. US secretary Marco Rubio questions Russia’s intent on Ukraine peace ahead of fresh Geneva talks. Here are the top news of the day: BNP’s Tarique Rahman puts Bangladesh first in foreign policy after landslide win Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman said Dhaka’s foreign policy would prioritise national interest and Bangladesh first principles, including in ties with India, after securing a sweeping electoral victory. The BNP-led alliance won over two-thirds of seats, marking a major political shift after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Read full story Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal row Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal intensified his attack on Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi over criticism of the India–US trade deal, accusing him of “fearmongering” and spreading misinformation. Goyal said the pact and recent FTAs would boost textile exports and farmer incomes, dismissing claims that zero-duty imports would hurt domestic producers. Read full story One killed after Metro Line-4 parapet segment collapses in Mumbai’s Mulund A 6×4 ft concrete parapet segment from the under-construction Metro Line-4 viaduct collapsed onto vehicles on LBS Road in Mumbai’s Mulund (West), killing one person and injuring three. The victims were rushed to hospital, where one was declared dead. Authorities launched rescue operations and cordoned off the area, disrupting traffic. Read full story T20 World Cup: Pakistan captain reignites handshake row ahead of India–Pakistan clash Ahead of the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reignited the handshake controversy, saying, “We’ll find that out tomorrow” when asked if India would shake hands. He hoped the game would be played in true sportsmanship. Read full story Marco Rubio questions Russia’s intent as US pushes Ukraine peace talks US secretary of state Marco Rubio cast doubt on Moscow’s seriousness about ending the Ukraine war, ahead of fresh US-brokered talks in Geneva. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio said there was no clarity on Russia’s willingness to negotiate, even as fighting continues in Odesa and Belgorod. Read full story Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
2 journalist bodies condemn Rahul Gandhi talk on media impartiality
NEW DELHI: Two journalist bodies on Saturday criticised Congress neta Rahul Gandhi for questioning the impartiality of mediapersons, saying political leaders must use respectful language while addressing the press, especially in public spaces like the Parliament. The reaction came after Gandhi, speaking to reporters outside the Parliament earlier in the week, asked journalists to be more objective in their coverage. Responding to queries on the treasury benches considering a privilege notice against him over his recent speech on the Budget, the LoP said media should not merely repeat what it is told. Condemning the remarks, National Union of Journalists and Delhi Journalists Association issued a joint statement calling Gandhi’s comments inappropriate. “The LoP targeting and insulting media personnel in such a manner is highly condemnable,” NUJ president Ras Bihar said. He added that such statements amount to an attack on press freedom and undermine the role of media in a democracy. DJA president Rakesh Thapliyal and general secretary Pramod Kumar Singh said journalism exists to question those in power and provide accurate information to the public. Associating the media with any particular political party, they said, harms the professional dignity and independence of journalists. Rahul Gandhi had told reporters, “You are not totally employed by BJP. At least try a little bit of objective stuff. It gets really shameful. It’s too much.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Govt cheating cotton farmers, textile exporters in US trade deal, says Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Congress minister Rahul Gandhi Saturday accused the govt of “cheating cotton farmers and textile exporters in the country through the India-US interim trade deal” and alleged that the agreement “is likely to inflict deep damage on both sectors”. “18% tariff vs 0% — let me explain how the PM and his cabinet are spreading confusion on this issue. And how they are cheating India’s cotton farmers and textile exporters through the India-US trade deal,” he said on X. “Bangladesh is being given zero % tariff benefit on garment exports to US — the only condition is that they import American cotton,” he said. “After the announcement of 18% tariff on Indian garments, when I raised the question in Parliament about the special concession being given to Bangladesh, the reply from a minister of Modi govt was: ‘If we also want the same benefit, we will have to import cotton from America’,” Gandhi said. “Why was this fact hidden from the country till now? And what kind of policy is this? Is this really any kind of choice, or is it a trap designed to push us into a ‘well in front, ditch behind’ situation?” he asked. “If we import American cotton, our own farmers will be ruined. If we don’t import it, our textile industry will lag behind and get destroyed,” Gandhi claimed. Highlighting the importance of textile industry and cotton farming, he said that “attacking these sectors means pushing millions of families into the pit of unemployment and economic crisis.” He further said, “A visionary govt that thinks in the national interest would have negotiated a deal that protects and ensures the prosperity of both cotton farmers and textile exporters. But exactly the opposite has happened…” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Govt is compromised’: Congress seeks Hardeep Puri’s resignation over Epstein link
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday demanded the resignation of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri over his alleged links to the Jeffrey Epstein case, intensifying its attack after the minister acknowledged meeting the disgraced financier several times in a professional capacity. Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the party believes Puri has no right to remain in office. Speaking to reporters, Khera said, “Clearly, the Congress party is demanding the resignation of Hardeep Singh Puri. This person has no right to remain in his position. In the last 48 hours, he has only lied. We will raise this issue before the people of the country that this government is compromised, and that too with a person like Jeffrey Epstein.” — ANI (@ANI) The demand comes after Puri, at a press conference on Wednesday, said that he had met convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein “three or four times” over eight years in what he described as a “professional capacity”. Responding to allegations raised by leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, Puri said that the interactions were limited and already in the public domain following the release of millions of emails by US authorities. At the press conference, he stated, “There are references to possibly three or four meetings in eight years… Any contact I had with him has no connection to the serious allegations of sexual abuse filed by victims.” He further clarified, “My interaction had nothing to do with that,” stressing that the meetings were linked to his tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations and later engagements with the International Peace Institute. Explaining the context, Puri said his former superior at the International Peace Institute, Terje Rod-Larsen, knew Epstein and that he met him as part of official delegations. He maintained that the interactions were entirely professional and predated his entry into the Union Cabinet in 2017. However, the Congress rejected the minister’s explanation. Earlier, Khera raised a series of questions regarding an alleged 2014 email exchange that forms part of documents released by the US Department of Justice. He questioned why Puri referred to Epstein as a “friend” in an email and why he sought “advice” from him if their association was only incidental. In another post, Khera accused Puri of trivialising Epstein’s crimes, writing that reducing the conviction to “soliciting favours of a woman who was underage” downplayed the gravity of sexual exploitation of a minor. The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi claimed he had “verified information” and alleged that “there are Department of Justice files on Epstein naming Hardeep Puri.” Gandhi also alleged broader pressure on the government in the context of international developments, including the India-US trade deal. Puri dismissed Gandhi’s remarks as “baseless allegations” and described parts of his speech in Parliament as having “elements of buffoonery” and “entertainment value”. He insisted that his name appearing in released documents does not imply wrongdoing and that his meetings were unrelated to the criminal charges against Epstein. The exchange has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Congress, with the opposition demanding accountability and the minister defending his record. As the row escalates, the Congress has said it will continue to raise the matter publicly, while the government has maintained that there is no wrongdoing on the part of the minister. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Khaira meets Rahul Gandhi with farmer leaders to oppose proposed India-US interim trade deal
Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader, MLA from Bholath and chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, met Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi along with leaders of various farmers’ organisations from across the country at the Parliament House complex in New Delhi. During the meeting, the farmer delegation expressed deep concern over the proposed India-US interim trade agreement, which they warned could severely threaten the livelihoods of Indian farmers and farm labourers by opening the doors for large-scale agricultural imports. The delegation highlighted the potential adverse impact on key crops, including corn, soybean, cotton, fruits and nuts, and cautioned that such a move could destabilise India’s agricultural economy and weaken the country’s food security. Gandhi assured the delegation of his full support and reiterated his firm commitment to stand with the farming community against any policy that harms their interests. He emphasised that any trade agreement that compromises farmers’ incomes or the nation’s food security was unacceptable and assured that the Congress party would strongly oppose such anti-farmer measures both inside and outside Parliament. Khaira, while briefing the media after the meeting, said there was a broad consensus on launching a nationwide movement to oppose the proposed trade deal and to safeguard the interests of farmers and agricultural workers across the country. He said the farming community viewed the agreement as a serious threat that could expose Indian agriculture to unfair competition from heavily subsidised foreign produce. Khaira further said that the All India Kisan Congress, in coordination with various farmer unions and like-minded organisations, will mobilise farmers across states to build a strong democratic movement to protect their livelihoods. Khaira urged the Union govt to immediately make the full details of the trade negotiations public and refrain from signing any agreement that compromises the economic security of Indian farmers. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Master at telling lies’: Rahul slams PM Modi over India-US trade deal, flags impact on farmers
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday escalated his attack on the finalised India-US trade deal, claiming that the agreement would harm India’s cotton farmers and textile exporters. In a post on X, Rahul alleged that the government has walked into a “trap” that leaves millions of families staring into an “abyss of unemployment.” “18% Tariff versus 0% – Let me explain how the Prime Minister, a master at telling lies, and his Cabinet are spreading confusion on this. And how they’re deceiving the country’s cotton farmers and textile exporters through the India-US trade deal.” Rahul said that after India’s garments were subjected to an 18% tariff in the US market, he raised in Parliament the issue of the special concession being given to Bangladesh. According to him, a minister responded, “If we want the same benefit, we’ll have to import cotton from the US.” — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) The LoP in Lok Sabha claimed that Bangladesh was being given a 0% tariff on garment exports to the US on the condition that it imports American cotton. Bangladesh is signalling that it might reduce or even stop importing cotton from India, he said. Questioning the policy, Gandhi said, “Is it really any kind of option – or a trap designed to corner us in a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ situation? If we import American cotton, our own farmers will be ruined. If we don’t, our textile industry will fall behind and be destroyed.” Earlier as well, Rahul Gandhi had criticised the Centre over the agreement with Washington, alleging that the deal “betrays our food security and farmers,” and claiming that PM Modi opened India’s agricultural market because US President Donald Trump “has him by the throat.” The remarks come after Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Friday rejected Gandhi’s criticism and accused him of misleading farmers. In a video post on X, Goyal said, “Mr Rahul Gandhi has once again rolled out a stage-managed, most artificial and fake narrative. This time, he is shooting from the shoulders of a few Congress party activists, who are pretending to be farmer leaders – in a completely artificial, and baseless conversation.” Goyal said the government had fully protected farmers’ interests in the agreement and that he stood by that statement “on record and with full responsibility.” — PiyushGoyal (@PiyushGoyal) He added that the deal would benefit farmers, fishermen, youth, MSMEs, startups and artisans, and would not harm agricultural producers. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Trump has PM Modi by the throat’: Rahul Gandhi reacts to motion against him by BJP’s Nishikant Dubey
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday doubled down on his attack at the central government over the India-US trade deal, saying the pact with America “betrays our food security and farmers” and that PM Modi has opened the Indian agriculture market as US President Donald Trump “has him by the throat.” Reacting to the ruling BJP’s privilege motion against him in the Lower House, the Rae Bareli MP said he spoke truth in Parliament and that he would be unfazed by the repercussions of it and reiterated his “PM Modi has sold the nation” remark. “Narendra Modi ji has sold the country, sold the farmers. File a case against me, abuse, do whatever you want to do, privilege motion if you want to file, file it, it doesn’t matter, I have spoken the truth in Parliament, if you don’t like the truth, that’s another matter, the country understands the truth, do whatever you want to do, I stand with farmers; Congress president Kharge ji and the entire Congress party, all our workers stand with farmers, we will not let this injustice happen,” Rahul Gandhi said in a video he posted on X. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) Earlier in the day, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said he had moved a substantive motion in the Lok Sabha against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading the country with the helpof “anti-India forces.” The Congress scion said the Modi government’s decision to import American “corn, soybeans, and fruits” is just a beginning and that the Centre would “open the doors of the entire agriculture market for his friends, for people like Adani and Ambani, and for foreign powers.” “For years, foreign people have been trying to capture Hindustan’s agriculture market. Narendra Modi ji has opened the door for them; this is the truth. He also knows, I also know why he opened it…because Donald Trump has him by the throat. Corn, soybean and fruits — this is the beginning…Narendra Modi will open the doors of the entire agriculture market for his friends, for people like Adani and Ambani, and for foreign powers,” the ex-Congress president claimed. Labelling PM Modi “anti-farmer” and mentioning the repealed three farm laws, Rahul Gandhi compared the status of Indian farmers with those in America to highlight the dire contrast. “Earlier also he brought black laws, now he has opened the door for foreign powers. American farmers have large farms, thousands of acres of farms, fully mechanized and the government gives them subsidy. You know that our farmers have small farms, don’t get proper MSP and mechanization is just in name,” he said. His statement comes a day after his Lok Sabha speech in which he accused the Centre of “compromising national interests”. In his address, the Congress leader said the government had acknowledged a global shift marked by the end of a single superpower era, rising geopolitical conflicts, and the weaponisation of energy and finance. Despite this, he alleged, the government had allowed the United States to weaponise energy and financial systems in ways that affect India. He further alleged the deal has compromised security in all three critical things needed to run a modern country — data, food supply, and energy. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Patwari demands dismissal of three ministers before budget session
Bhopal: State Congress president Jitu Patwari on Thursday shot a letter to chief minister Mohan Yadav, demanding the dismissal of three ministers from the cabinet before the governor’s address in the state assembly scheduled for Monday. Patwari demanded the removal of minister for tribal welfare Vijay Shah for his offensive statements against lady army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, deputy chief minister Rajendra Shukla for the cough syrup tragedy which allegedly claimed the lives of 23 children, and Kailash Vijayvargiya for the water contamination deaths in Indore. “Madhya Pradesh is a democratically governed state, where every unit of governance is expected to adhere to democratic values, ethics, and constitutional norms. It is unfortunate that the actions of your govt appear to be contrary to public sentiment, fostering anarchy, arrogance, and authoritarian tendencies,” Patwari’s letter to the CM said. It further added that the state’s budget session begins on Feb 16, with the governor’s address scheduled for that day. “It is well known that this address will present more statistics than reality, while the state is grappling with a severe economic crisis and a mounting debt burden, to which your govt appears to be turning a blind eye,” the letter argued. “In this context, a serious and public-spirited issue needs to be brought to your attention. Ministers whose presence in the cabinet is now demanding answers regarding their usefulness,” Patwari’s letter claimed. “Serious allegations of insulting the nation’s daughters and the Indian Army: Vijay Shah; dozens of innocent children died due to poisonous syrup in Chhindwara: health minister Rajendra Shukla; and a minister who failed to provide clean drinking water to the people of his constituency: urban administration minister Kailash Vijayvargiya,” the letter said. Patwari contended that it is extremely unfortunate and shameful that, despite the insult to the army, the deaths of innocent people, and administrative failures, such ministers remain in office. This raises serious questions about the govt’s morality, sensitivity, and accountability, the letter said. Patwari then demanded, “This time is also a test of your moral commitment, responsibility, and leadership abilities. You are expected to respect public sentiment by dismissing these ministers from the cabinet before the governor’s address in the budget session. Otherwise, it will send a clear message that your govt tacitly supports lies, immorality, and the insult to the nation’s daughters and the Indian Army.” While Patwari sent his letter, LOP Umang Singhar called a meeting with the CLP (Congress Legislative Party) on Monday evening to strategise on how to attack the BJP govt on the same three issues. It is expected that the budget session might be noisy, with the Congress preparing to tear into the Mohan Yadav govt on the issues of Bhagirathpura water contamination, Chhindwara cough syrup deaths of children, and Vijay Shah’s prosecution sanction still on hold. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights