Kharge Terms India-US Trade Pact Anti-Farmer, Predicts 2021-Like Agitation
Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has launched a scathing attack on the recently announced India-US trade deal, labeling it as anti-farmer and warning that it could ignite another massive farmers' movement reminiscent of the 2021 protests. Speaking during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in Parliament on Wednesday, Kharge asserted that this agreement would force the government to retract it, just as it did with the three farm laws.
Parliamentary Insult and Farmer Concerns
Kharge expressed deep dismay over what he termed an insult to Parliament, highlighting that Members of Parliament first learned about the trade deal from US President Donald Trump's announcement while the House was in session. He emphasized that this bypassing of parliamentary procedure undermines democratic norms and transparency in governance.
Citing a social media post by US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who stated that the deal would facilitate more American farm products entering India, Kharge argued that Indian farmers would be devastated by this influx. He contrasted this with the benefits he claimed American farmers would reap, painting a picture of economic imbalance that threatens India's agricultural sector.
Historical Parallels and Government Response
Drawing parallels to the 2021 farmers' protests, Kharge warned, "After taking back the black laws, now you are making the same mistake again... Once again, there will be a farmers' movement, and when they come out onto the streets... you will have to take this back like you took that back." This reference to the three farm laws, withdrawn after prolonged agitation, underscores his prediction of widespread unrest if the trade deal proceeds as is.
In response, Health Minister and Leader of the House J P Nadda intervened, reiterating Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's assurance that the government has secured protections for India's agriculture and dairy sectors during the negotiations. Nadda emphasized that details are still being finalized collaboratively with the US, aiming to address domestic concerns while fostering international trade relations.
Broader Criticisms and Political Exchanges
Kharge expanded his critique beyond the trade deal, accusing the government of a strategic surrender in its approach to China. He noted that while trade with China increases, territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh persist, and China has supported Pakistan during conflicts like Operation Sindoor. Additionally, he raised alarms over attacks on minorities and the erosion of social justice under the NDA government's tenure.
Nadda countered by highlighting the Modi government's achievements, including a strong response to terror attacks in Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam. In a pointed jab at the Opposition, he suggested that Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary should initiate skill development programs for political parties, questioning their credibility over the past 11 years.
This heated exchange in Parliament reflects the deepening political divide over economic policies and international agreements, with farmers' welfare at the forefront of the debate. As discussions continue, the potential for renewed protests looms, echoing past struggles that have shaped India's agricultural landscape.
