New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Minister for Natural Resources S Reghupathy on Monday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recently concluded Indo-US trade agreement, describing it as skewed in favour of the United States.

Speaking in Pudukkottai, the DMK leader used a traditional metaphor, saying, “You bring the rice, I will bring the husk; we can both blow and eat together. Today, America has given the husk while blowing away and consuming India’s wealth. This is the essence of the agreement between Prime Minister Modi and the US.”

TN minister slams Indo-US trade deal

Tamil Nadu Minister for Natural Resources S Reghupathy on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recently concluded Indo-US trade agreement. He claimed the deal disproportionately benefits the United States, using a traditional metaphor to explain his stance: “You bring the rice, I will bring the husk; we can both blow and eat together. Today, America has given the husk while blowing away and consuming India’s wealth.”

Import duty changes favour US, alleges Reghupathy

The minister highlighted that US import duties on Indian goods were initially raised from 3% to 50% and later reduced to 18%. He accused the Modi government of presenting this reduction as a major success, while claiming that the arrangement ultimately serves American commercial interests.

Corporate interests dominate government decisions

Reghupathy further alleged that the Prime Minister’s decisions often favour major Indian conglomerates, citing Adani and Ambani as beneficiaries whose wealth increases through such policies.

The minister accused Modi of treating Tamil people differently at home and abroad. “When he goes to America or Malaysia, he praises Tamil as a bridge due to the large Tamil diaspora. But in Odisha or Bihar, he calls the Tamilian a thief,” Reghupathy said.

Responding to BJP attention on religious issues like Lord Murugan, Reghupathy emphasised that the DMK-led Dravidian government respects all devotees’ practices. He pointed out that his administration has conducted 4,000 temple consecrations (Kudamuzhukku) over five years, supporting worshippers without interference.

Election committees on schedule, assures minister

Addressing questions about the DMK-led alliance, Reghupathy assured that there are no delays in forming election committees. “Our leader (Chief Minister M K Stalin) will formulate strategies and decide on the alliance committees at the right time. There will be no hiccups; no one needs to worry,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)