Bhopal, Feb 23 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, are set to engage with farmers at a significant convention in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, Bhopal, on February 23.

This pivotal political gathering in Bhopal will also signal the commencement of the Congress's nationwide campaign against the proposed India-US trade agreement.

Details about the upcoming 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Atal Path in the Jawahr Chowk area have been shared by Madhya Pradesh Congress media in-charge and former minister Mukesh Nayak, who informed IANS that over one lakh farmers from throughout the state are anticipated to attend.

Nayak mentioned that the event is planned to start around 2 PM with the arrival of Kharge and Gandhi. Two expansive domes have been constructed at the venue, featuring a large stage where approximately 250 leaders and office-bearers will be seated.

“The Kisan Mahapanchayat in Bhopal is of great importance for Congress workers in the state, and it will initiate a movement for change in Madhya Pradesh. The populace here is tired of the corruption and chaos associated with the BJP over the last 20 years,” Nayak expressed.

Congress MLA Umang Singhar, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the state, pointed out that soybean farmers might experience declining prices due to import pressures, while cotton farmers in the Malwa and Nimar regions could incur losses.

Singhar stated, “The Kisan Mahapanchayat is being organized to support farmers and to highlight what Congress describes as the “anti-farmer consequences” of the trade agreement.

In preparation for the event, AICC general secretary and Madhya Pradesh Congress in-charge, Harish Choudhary, engaged in discussions with local traders regarding the India-US trade deal earlier this week.

During these discussions, Chaudhary asserted that the proposed trade deal would permit the import of maize straw, while the previous 16 percent tariff on soybean oil has been eliminated entirely.

“This poses a significant threat to all soybean-related industries. Additionally, it will have a substantial effect on the cotton and textile industries, which are crucial for employment in the country,” he added.

In response, leaders from the ruling BJP, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, strongly criticized the Congress, asserting that neither the state nor the national Congress has contributed as much to farmers as the current administration.

Yadav claimed that the BJP government has accomplished more during its tenure than Congress has in decades. He accused Congress of distorting the truth and urged Rahul Gandhi to “apologize” for what he termed misleading statements regarding farmers.