New Delhi

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the India–US Interim Trade Agreement, accusing him of creating confusion regarding exports and the minimum support price (MSP) for cotton.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said Gandhi’s comments reflected either a lack of understanding or a deliberate attempt to mislead.

“I was listening to his speech. Either the Leader of Opposition lacks knowledge or is deliberately spreading falsehoods. He is creating confusion about exports. The textile industry will benefit significantly from the 18 per cent arrangement. One should ask industry stakeholders. On cotton, during the UPA government the MSP was Rs 3,700; under our government it has been raised to Rs 8,000,” Singh said.

Backing the government’s position, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the interim trade arrangement with the United States was finalised keeping farmers’ interests in mind.

“As Commerce Minister, I want to assure that every decision has been taken keeping in view the welfare of farmers and their interests are protected,” Goyal told reporters.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also criticised Gandhi’s remarks, alleging that he had made baseless statements in violation of parliamentary norms.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India will not bow before anyone. We strongly condemn such statements,” Prasad said.

Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had accused the government of compromising national interests through the interim trade pact. He questioned whether the government was “not ashamed of selling India,” and alleged that it had effectively “sold Bharat Mata.”

Gandhi argued that the government itself has acknowledged that the global order is undergoing a shift, with the era of a single superpower ending and geopolitical tensions intensifying. He claimed that despite this recognition, the government had allowed the United States to leverage energy and financial systems in ways that adversely affect India.

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The debate took place amid broader discussions in Parliament over the implications of the India–US Interim Trade Agreement.