Delhi: In a dramatic escalation inside Parliament, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly initiated a move seeking the termination of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s membership in the Lok Sabha. The development follows Gandhi’s fiery speech targeting the Centre over the India–US interim trade agreement and the Union Budget.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey confirmed that he has submitted a formal motion in the Lower House, accusing the Leader of Opposition of “misleading the nation” and making statements that allegedly undermine India’s global standing. Dubey has gone a step further by demanding not only the cancellation of Gandhi’s parliamentary membership but also a lifetime ban on him from contesting elections.
The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi delivered a strongly worded speech in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the government had compromised India’s strategic interests in the recent trade understanding with the United States. He argued that India’s energy security and trade policies were being shaped under external pressure.
Gandhi stated that the government itself had acknowledged a volatile global climate marked by economic weaponisation and geopolitical conflicts. Despite that, he alleged that India had permitted the United States to exert disproportionate influence over key economic decisions.
In remarks that triggered sharp protests from Treasury benches, Gandhi claimed there was “fear in the Prime Minister’s eyes” and made references to what he described as external pressures impacting decision-making at the highest level. He further alleged that India was committing to significantly higher imports from the US without securing equivalent benefits in return.
According to Gandhi, average tariffs had jumped substantially, while US imports into India were projected to rise steeply in the coming years. He termed the arrangement “deeply flawed” and questioned its long-term implications for domestic industries and farmers.
The BJP swiftly retaliated, with several leaders calling Gandhi’s remarks “irresponsible” and “immature.” Party members accused him of politicising sensitive international agreements and damaging India’s diplomatic credibility.
Outside Parliament, Opposition MPs staged protests alleging that the trade deal contains “anti-people” provisions and expressing solidarity with farmers raising concerns over import policies.
