shot-button
Home > News > India News > Article > Will PM listen or grip too strong Rahul backs workers farmers on strike day

Will PM listen or ‘grip’ too strong: Rahul backs workers, farmers on strike day

Updated on: 12 February,2026 12:54 PM IST  |  New Delhi
PTI |

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of ignoring workers and farmers while negotiating the India-US trade deal, questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will heed their concerns or if a “grip” on him is too strong. He reiterated that the agreement compromised India’s interests

Will PM listen or ‘grip’ too strong: Rahul backs workers, farmers on strike day

Rahul underlined the need to protect the country's people, data, food supply and energy system. File Pic

Listen to this article
Will PM listen or ‘grip’ too strong: Rahul backs workers, farmers on strike day
x
00:00

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the government ignored the voices of workers and farmers while making decisions concerning their future and asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will listen to them now or if there is a "grip" on him too strong.

Gandhi's attack on the government came a day after he alleged that the India-US interim trade deal was a "wholesale surrender", with India's energy security handed over to America and farmers' interests compromised.


In a post on X in Hindi, Gandhi said, "Today, lakhs of workers and farmers across the country are on the streets to raise their voices for their rights."



He said that the workers fear that the four labour codes will weaken their rights.

"Farmers fear that the trade agreement (with the US) will harm their livelihoods. And weakening or eliminating MNREGA could take away the last source of support for villages," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said.

"Will Modiji listen now? Or is there a 'grip' on him that is too strong? I stand firmly with the issues and struggles of workers and farmers," Gandhi said.

In a no-holds-barred attack on the Modi government, Gandhi, while participating in the debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, claimed that Indian interests had been "surrendered" under the trade deal to protect the BJP's financial architecture.

Slamming the Indo-US deal, Gandhi drew an analogy of how in martial arts after securing a grip, the next step is a chokehold, and then the opponent taps to give up.

Gandhi underlined the need to protect the country's people, data, food supply and energy system.

He said that had an INDIA bloc government negotiated the trade agreement with the US, it would have told President Donald Trump that he must treat India equally. 

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

rahul gandhi narendra modi Prime Minister Lok Sabha India news national news

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK