Rahul Gandhi, Kiren Rijiju Clash in Lok Sabha Over ‘Nation Sold Out’ Allegation During Budget Debate

New Delhi: A heated exchange took place in the Lok Sabha during the Union Budget 2026-27 debate as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the Modi government, alleging that it compromised India’s energy security and national interests through trade agreements with foreign powers. His remarks triggered strong protests from the treasury benches, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accusing him of making irresponsible statements and urging constructive criticism.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of entering into a trade agreement with the United States at the cost of India’s strategic and economic interests. Despite objections from ruling party members, he intensified his criticism, describing the government’s actions as a series of “surrenders” to US President Donald Trump in sectors such as agriculture, information technology, data, and energy.

His remarks, including calling the trade deal “nonsense,” drew sharp reactions from the ruling side and prompted intervention from officiating Speaker Jagdambika Pal. Rijiju objected to the language used by Gandhi and demanded that such unparliamentary expressions be removed from official records. The Chair also directed Gandhi to avoid objectionable remarks, which he acknowledged before continuing his attack on the government.

The debate soon turned chaotic, with opposition members supporting Gandhi’s allegations while treasury bench members protested and raised slogans. Concluding his speech, Gandhi accused the government of “selling out the nation, its farmers, its IT sector, and its energy security” while allegedly yielding to US pressure.

Responding to the allegations, Kiren Rijiju strongly rejected the claims, stating that no one could dare to sell the country. He asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among the strongest leaders the country has seen.

Gandhi also criticised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the India-US trade agreement and alleged tax concessions to foreign cloud service providers, claiming such measures could harm India’s economic and strategic interests. Taking a swipe at the Finance Minister, he questioned the government’s decision to provide what he described as long-term tax benefits to foreign technology companies.

With inputs from IANS