A heated Lok Sabha debate on the Union Budget turned personal as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of "selling Bharat Mata" through an alleged lopsided trade deal with the United States. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman fired back sharply, reminding everyone of Congress's own controversial past at Sharm el-Sheikh.

Speaking passionately, Rahul Gandhi targeted the interim India-US trade agreement, claiming it prioritizes American interests over Indian farmers, the poor, and data security. "You've sold Bharat Mata in the name of trade," he thundered, urging the government to feel ashamed amid rising concerns over digital sovereignty in an AI-driven world. His remarks, shared widely online, struck a chord with opposition supporters questioning the deal's fine print.

Not one to back down, Sitharaman countered by invoking the 2009 Sharm el-Sheikh joint statement under UPA rule. Signed by then-PM Manmohan Singh and Pakistan's Yousaf Raza Gilani just months after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, it controversially delinked trade from terrorism discussions—a decision long criticized as a national security lapse. "It is Congress who sold the nation," she retorted, echoing Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's defense that under PM Modi, India's pride remains untouchable.

The exchange underscores deep BJP-Congress rifts on nationalism and foreign policy. While Rahul's charge amplifies opposition pushback on economic deals, Sitharaman's historical jab reframes the narrative, painting Congress as the real compromisers. With #BharatMata and #IndiaUSTrade trending, this spat signals intensifying Parliament battles ahead of elections. As trade negotiations evolve, the debate highlights real stakes for India's global edge—balancing market access with sovereignty. Stay tuned for more updates as the session unfolds.