Currently visiting Germany, Gandhi shared a video on social media from his recent meeting with Bhadohi’s carpet weavers at the Parliament House.
“I previously warned that ‘Trump’s tariffs would trigger an economic storm, affecting millions,’ yet Narendra Modi remained silent. Today, the weavers of Bhadohi illustrate the grim truth of that warning,” the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha posted in Hindi on Facebook.
“I engaged with the Bhadohi weavers during the Jan Sansad (People’s Parliament) — they presented me with a stunning carpet, handcrafted by them, showcasing their skill, dedication, and centuries-old craft. They shared that Bhadohi, once celebrated as the ’Carpet City,’ is now grappling with intense economic hardship,” he explained.
During sessions in Parliament, Gandhi interacts with diverse groups of individuals, calling it the “Jan Sansad.”
The adverse effects of the US’s “anti-India” tariff policy have ravaged numerous industries in the country, with Bhadohi’s carpet trade facing near ruin, asserted the Congress leader.
“Sadly, the government has failed to implement any effective measures—through foreign policy or national plans—to support or revive this sector,” he stated.
This has led to a continuous decline in exports, with businesses relocating to nations like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal, according to Gandhi.
“This emphasizes the dire situation in the prime minister’s own constituency … as Modi ignores their plight,” he accused.
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He added that this age-old craft, central to their trade, represents an essential aspect of India’s identity and a source of income for millions, yet it now suffers from neglect and exploitation by the government. The crisis has reached a point where these diligent families lack access to affordable healthcare,” Gandhi mentioned.
He remarked that these small industries and businesses he frequently champions are critical for job creation, economic resilience, and national progress.
“It is crucial to restore power to these communities through effective policies and economic support, enabling these artisans to reclaim their legacy and contribute to India’s economic growth,” Gandhi concluded.
Bhadohi is situated near Varanasi, the Lok Sabha constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
