New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) The Congress on Saturday announced that its president, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will lead a major programme in Bhopal on February 24, aimed at protesting what the party describes as “injustice” to farmers under the India–US trade deal.
In a press statement, the party said, “In Bhopal on February 24, 2026, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji and Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi ji will lead the effort to protect farmers’ interests and raise their voice against the injustice being done to them in the trade deal.”
The announcement comes amid an escalating political debate over the recently announced India–US trade agreement. The Congress has consistently alleged that certain provisions of the deal could adversely affect Indian farmers, particularly in areas such as agricultural imports, pricing protections, and market access.
Senior party leaders have argued that small and marginal farmers could face increased competition from foreign agricultural products if safeguards are not adequately ensured. The Congress has also questioned the timing and transparency of the negotiations.
A party spokesperson said the February 24 programme in Bhopal would serve as a platform to “unite farmers, agricultural workers, and civil society voices” to demand what it called “fair terms that protect India’s rural economy.”
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is politically significant and has a large agrarian population in the surrounding districts. By choosing the city as the venue, the Congress appears to be signalling its intent to mobilise rural constituencies and place farmer welfare at the centre of its campaign narrative.
Kharge and Gandhi are expected to address a public gathering and interact with farmer representatives. The leadership is likely to reiterate demands for greater transparency in trade negotiations and stronger protections for domestic agriculture.
The rally is part of a broader outreach strategy by the Congress to consolidate support among farmers and rural communities. Over the past several months, the party has sharpened its criticism of the central government’s economic and trade policies, positioning itself as a defender of agrarian interests.
The government, however, has maintained that the trade agreement will expand export opportunities, boost investment, and strengthen India’s global economic standing. Officials have said adequate safeguards are in place to protect sensitive sectors, including agriculture.
With both sides firm in their positions, the Bhopal programme is expected to intensify the political contest over the trade deal and its implications for India’s farming community.
