Akhilesh Yadav Attacks BJP on Trade Deal, Says India’s Market ‘Gifted to US’, Mentions Epstein File

Addressing reporters in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the timing and intent behind the release of the Epstein files, stating that the issue must be viewed with caution. He flagged social media as a serious global challenge, noting that several countries have built their own digital platforms to safeguard interests. Criticising the Centre’s economic approach, Yadav alleged that India’s domestic market was being opened excessively to the United States, referring to a proposed $500 billion market size. He also raised concerns over big-ticket defence purchases like Rafale jets, asking whether such policies undermine indigenous manufacturing, employment generation, and initiatives such as Make in India and Skill India.