Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi met farm union leaders at the Parliament House complex to discuss their opposition to the India-US interim trade agreement. The meeting also considered launching a nationwide movement against the agreement.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday met leaders of farmer unions from across the country at the Parliament House complex, where concerns over the proposed India-US interim trade agreement and its possible impact on Indian agriculture were discussed.
According to party sources, the meeting focused on protecting the livelihood of farmers and farm laborers and protesting against the trade agreement. Farmer leaders expressed their deep concerns about the potential influx of agricultural imports under the deal, especially for crops like maize, soybean, cotton, fruits and nuts.
Gandhi reportedly said the trade deal opened the door to increased agricultural imports and warned that other crops could also follow soon. He cautioned that such a move could adversely impact Indian farmers and weaken domestic food security.
Both Gandhi and farmer representatives discussed the need to organize a nationwide movement to protest the trade agreement and protect the interests of farmers.
leader present
Among those present were All India Kisan Congress President Sukhpal Singh Khaira; Kedar Sirohi of Madhya Pradesh Kisan Congress; Ashok Balhara of Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union (Haryana); Baldev Singh Jeera of BKU Krantikari; R of Progressive Kisan Morcha. Nandakumar; Amarjeet Singh Mohri and Tejveer Singh of BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh; And Gurmaneet Singh Mangat of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and others.
attack on government
A day earlier, Gandhi had intensified his criticism of the Center over the trade deal. “Whether an FIR is lodged, a case registered, or a privilege motion is brought – I will continue to fight for the farmers,” he said in a video message shared on social media.
He said any trade deal that compromises the livelihoods of farmers or weakens the country’s food security infrastructure would be unacceptable.
The Congress said the party stands strongly with farmers and will oppose any policy move that it finds favors corporate interests at the expense of rural communities.
