Mumbai/: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has mounted a sharp attack on the Union government over the India–US trade agreement, accusing it of sending confusing signals and bypassing Parliament on a deal of major economic importance.
In a detailed public statement, Thackeray questioned how the government could celebrate the agreement one day and then suggest the next that negotiations were still ongoing. Referring to recent remarks by the Union Commerce Minister, he asked whether the agreement had actually been finalised at all.
“Is the agreement done, or is it still being worked out?” Thackeray asked, pointing out that mixed messaging from senior ministers had left citizens and stakeholders unsure about the status of the deal.
He took particular aim at what he described as premature celebration by leaders of the ruling alliance. “If it was not finalised, what exactly was the round of self-congratulations about?” he asked, adding that such messaging only deepened public confusion.
The Sena (UBT) leader also highlighted what he called a contradiction between statements coming from Washington and those made in New Delhi. Citing social media posts and announcements by top US officials, including the American President, Thackeray said it was puzzling that the US administration appeared more confident about the deal than India’s own Commerce Ministry.
“When the entire US government ecosystem — even the President — is speaking openly about the deal, why is India’s Commerce Minister saying it isn’t final yet?” he asked.
Raising questions about parliamentary accountability, Thackeray expressed concern that no detailed statement had been made in Parliament despite the House being in session. “Isn’t it a long-standing convention that such important matters are first explained on the floor of the House?” he asked, suggesting that lawmakers were being kept in the dark.
He also criticised the government’s communication style with the media. Referring to a recent briefing, Thackeray noted that journalists were not allowed to ask questions. “Even the US President takes questions from the press. Why can’t our ministers do the same on an issue of this scale?” he said.
Stressing that the matter went beyond party politics, Thackeray said transparency was essential because of the deal’s potential impact on India’s economy. “All we need is clarity on a very important trade deal with a very important partner country,” he stated.
Ending his remarks on a pointed note, Thackeray observed that Indian citizens were learning more details about the agreement from American announcements than from their own government. He described this as an ironic situation and urged the Centre to replace celebratory messaging with clear facts and open communication.
