Kolkata witnessed high-voltage political drama today as Congress activists staged a massive protest at the Hazra intersection against the newly announced India-US interim trade agreement. In a symbolic act of defiance, protesters set ablaze the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, accusing the central government of compromising the nation’s economic interests under international pressure.

Led by the South Kolkata District Congress, the demonstrators raised slogans against the “opaque” nature of the deal. They pointed out that while President Trump was quick to announce the tariff reductions on social media, the Indian government has remained tight-lipped about the fine print. Congress leaders alleged that the deal is a “sell-out” that would allow cheap American agricultural and industrial products to flood Indian markets, devastating local farmers and small businesses. “This isn’t a trade deal; it’s a trap deal,” a senior party worker remarked during the protest. The demonstration at the busy Hazra crossing led to significant traffic congestion for nearly an hour, as the opposition demanded immediate transparency and a detailed discussion in Parliament regarding the pact’s long-term impact on India’s sovereignty.