New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a vigorous response on Saturday against the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, following his harsh criticism of the India-US trade agreement. The BJP accused him of attempting to mislead farmers across the nation by disseminating propaganda against the agreement.

This backlash was triggered after Rahul Gandhi issued a strong condemnation of the trade pact with the United States, asserting that it would 'devastate' India's textile industry and have a detrimental effect on cotton farmers.

In a video message shared on X, the Congress leader emphasized that millions of jobs tied to textiles and cotton farming are in jeopardy due to this agreement.

Gandhi contended that the tariff framework established under this deal places India at a disadvantage in comparison to Bangladesh, implying that this inequality would negatively impact both Indian farmers and industry.

In response to his statements, BJP leaders and their allies accused him of intentionally misrepresenting facts. Multiple party officials labeled him as the 'Leader of Propaganda' and even referred to him as a 'Supreme Court-certified liar'.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh addressed reporters in Patna, stating, 'Congress and Rahul Gandhi are spreading falsehoods in the country, particularly regarding farmers, but these claims are unfounded under the guise of the US trade deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unequivocally assured that as long as he holds office, any agreement, whether domestic or international, will prioritize the interests of farmers, and no harm will come to them.'

He further noted that Rahul Gandhi has 'lied numerous times and later retracted in court', citing the incident involving the Naravane book controversy where the publisher dismissed the claims made by the Leader of Opposition.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, speaking to IANS, escalated the criticism, stating, 'Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of Propaganda; he resembles a modern-day Pinocchio; deception is second nature to him, and he is a 'Supreme Court Certified' liar... The UPA government failed to secure a single beneficial free trade agreement, compromising the welfare of our farmers... Today, that very Congress party is questioning this deal, despite the fact that our farmers' interests are fully safeguarded.'

He also mocked the previous Congress government, saying, 'These individuals (Congress) used to engage in Family Trade Agreements instead of Free Trade Agreements.'

BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin Sinha also criticized the Congress leader, asserting, 'Today, Rahul Gandhi has again resorted to deception and misinformation. Daily, he concocts false narratives on various issues. In the past eight days, he initially spread falsehoods regarding General Naravane's book; when that was debunked, he shifted to another subject—the trade deal... Now, the misleading claims he is making about the trade deal are not only mischievous but also against the interests of the nation.'

Leaders from the Janata Dal (United) also voiced their support for the Centre. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan stated, 'I believe people are confused about Rahul Ji's perspective on India's progress and the nature of relations between the two nations.'

'Our strategy can be viewed as a significant triumph with the India-US trade agreement. This pact is anticipated to benefit Indian producers, promote new enterprises, and enhance infrastructure, ultimately invigorating the Indian economy.'

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar accused the Congress leader of politicizing the matter.

'Rahul Gandhi is engaging in political propaganda... The farmers in this nation are sensitive. Their bond with the land has always been profound.'

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also condemned Gandhi's comments, telling IANS, 'Rahul Gandhi is oblivious to the details of the India-US agreement because he hasn't reviewed the decisions made by our government. Every single decision is made with the farmers' interests in mind. Each decision is for the benefit of Make in India.'