Did Priyanka Gandhi Accuse the Government of Failing Indian Farmers in the US Trade Deal?
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New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday criticized the Central government for jeopardizing the welfare of Indian farmers by agreeing to what she called an 'unfavorable' trade agreement with the United States.
In a statement shared on social media, she remarked, “The United States has indicated that American farmers' products will now flood the Indian market, enriching rural America. Through this agreement, Trump has secured advantages for American farmers.”
“India's vast community of farmers is eager to understand the specifics of this trade agreement. Is the Modi administration truly planning to fully liberalize the Indian agricultural sector for American access? Will Indian farmers be forced into direct competition with American firms? Have our farmers' interests been compromised? Immediate clarification is essential before the public,” stated Priyanka Gandhi.
The Wayanad MP also shared a video clip of Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, where he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of shirking responsibilities and leaving crucial decisions regarding the US trade deal to others.
“The nation's leader must provide direction. A leader should not evade decision-making and pass the responsibility onto others. This is precisely what the Prime Minister has done,” Rahul Gandhi expressed in the video shared by Priyanka Gandhi.
Additionally, Jairam Ramesh, a Congress MP and former Union Minister, expressed skepticism about the fairness of the deal, asserting that the Indian government has accepted terms imposed by the US.
“Similar to the ceasefire, the declaration of the trade deal was made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade agreement is being executed 'at Modi's request',” said Ramesh, who oversees communications for the Congress party.
Ramesh further raised concerns regarding India potentially relinquishing its interests to the US.
“Trump has mentioned that India will aim to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to ‘zero’. It appears India has consented to entirely open our market to America, which may adversely affect Indian industries, traders, and farmers,” he wrote on social media.
“The statement also discusses opening the agricultural sector to America. What are the precise terms of the deal? How have the security and interests of our farmers been safeguarded?” he questioned.
Ramesh insisted that the Modi government must engage Parliament and the nation at large, sharing all pertinent details.