New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday expressed strong support for Youth Congress members protesting against the government’s trade agreement with the United States, calling the deal a compromise on India’s national interests.
In a post on X, Gandhi emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right. “Peaceful protest is our historic legacy. It runs in our blood and is a democratic right of every Indian,” he wrote, highlighting the courage of Youth Congress workers.
Gandhi alleged that the US trade deal threatens farmers, the textile industry, and could compromise India’s data sovereignty. “The trade deal with the United States has compromised the country’s interests. This agreement will harm our farmers and the textile sector, and hand over our data into American hands,” he stated, challenging government claims that closer trade engagement would boost investment, exports, and technology partnerships.
He also condemned the arrest of IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib and other party activists, describing it as authoritarian. “The arrest of Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib and other IYC colleagues for raising the truth before the nation is proof of authoritarian tendencies,” Gandhi wrote.
Reiterating the party’s backing for its youth wing, Gandhi said, “The Congress party and I stand firmly with our brave colleagues. Showing the mirror of truth to those in power is not a crime it is patriotism.” He urged party workers to remain resilient, adding the hashtag #IStandWithYouthCongress.
The statement signals the Congress party’s focus on challenging the government over economic policy and civil liberties, using the trade deal and arrests as key points in the ongoing political discourse ahead of future elections.