The trade deal with the U.S will adversely impact the Indian economy, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said on Wednesday.
Replying to the general discussion on the State Budget 2026-27 in the House, Mr. Balagopal said the trade deal signals danger, especially for the nation’s farm sector. He called for strong protests against the agreement.
Mr. Balagopal alleged that directives issued by the U.S. are being implemented in India. The situation is such that the X account of (U.S. President Donald) Trump has to be checked out to know what is happening in India, he said, in an apparent reference to the allegation that the Narendra Modi government had kept Parliament in the dark about the trade deal.
Mr. Balagopal defended the 2026-27 State Budget, which he had presented in the Assembly on january 29, saying that it was a carefully thought one and contained feasible announcements.
On the United Democratic Front boycotting the procedures over the Sabarimala gold theft issue, Mr. Balagopal said the Opposition appeared disinterested in discussing the Budget.
Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, speaking on the occasion, demanded that the Opposition be asked to tender an apology for disrupting the Budget session of the Assembly.
The Left Democratic Front government also reiterated its stand that the Dedicated Rare Earth Corridor mooted by it was aimed at establishing related industries within the State. The proposal was part of the Union Budget wishlist of the LDF government and had also featured in the latest State Budget.
The Union Budget had announced the inclusion of Kerala among four States for the establishment of rare earth corridors.
Published – February 04, 2026 08:52 pm IST
