Baramati, Feb 4 (NationPress) The President of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP), Sharad Pawar, voiced his apprehensions on Wednesday regarding the potential negative impacts of the new trade deal between India and the United States on Indian farmers and the agricultural sector in the foreseeable future.

Although the full details of the India-US trade agreement have not been released, Pawar mentioned at a press conference that the existing information raises significant concerns for Indian farmers.

During the press briefing, Pawar articulated particular “concerns” about the bilateral agreement.

While it's commendable that the US plans to lower tariffs on goods imported from India, which is a favorable development, Pawar expressed doubts about the equivalent measures in return.

He pointed out that recent reports indicate that the deal may enable the US to export its agricultural products to India.

Pawar stressed that the US is a formidable economic power.

"If they initiate extensive exports of certain agricultural goods to India, it could disrupt our domestic market and adversely affect local farmers. The US is a dominant force; if they begin exporting to our markets, the repercussions on our agriculture will be inevitable," he cautioned.

Pawar noted that he would provide further remarks once the complete details are available in a few days.

In addition, Pawar shared his thoughts on the Union Budget. He remarked that throughout his 58-year career, encompassing the Maharashtra Assembly, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha, he has never missed the Union Budget presentation. However, due to Ajit Pawar's accident, he was unable to travel to Delhi and missed hearing the Budget in person.

He expressed satisfaction that no new taxes were introduced that would burden the common citizen but acknowledged that more decisive actions are anticipated to spur developmental growth.

Pawar also addressed the media regarding the current political landscape. When questioned about Sunetra Pawar's decision to take the oath as Deputy Chief Minister shortly after the unfortunate incident, which has ignited controversy, the senior Pawar chose to remain silent.

"I prefer not to comment on Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in," he stated, focusing instead on concerns regarding national security and the evolving situation at the India-China border.

Concerning the merger of two NCP factions, Pawar, who indicated that Ajit Pawar would make an announcement on February 12, criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his remarks regarding the matter.

CM Fadnavis previously stated, "We do not wish to engage in politics given the current circumstances; otherwise, I could reveal many things. I am aware of everything. I have been a witness to all these events. You all know that because of my relationship with Ajit Dada, he used to share everything with me. Therefore, I believe it is inappropriate to engage in low-level politics. If Ajit Pawar was discussing any such merger, would he do so without consulting the BJP?"

When asked about this today, Sharad Pawar delivered a pointed rebuttal.

Pawar asserted that CM Fadnavis was not involved in discussions regarding the merger of the two NCP factions and thus has no authority to comment.

He reiterated that Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar were the ones conducting these discussions. This reiteration from Sharad Pawar further emphasizes that talks for the merger of the NCP factions are indeed ongoing.