“Anti-Farmer and Insult to Parliament”: Kharge Warns Indo-US Trade Deal Could Trigger Fresh Agitation
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday strongly criticised the newly announced Indo-US trade agreement, calling it “anti-farmer” and cautioning that it could lead to another massive farmers’ movement similar to the protests that forced the rollback of the three controversial farm laws in 2021.
Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said it was a matter of serious concern — and a direct affront to Parliament — that lawmakers learned about the trade deal through an announcement made by Donald Trump, even while the House was in session.
He further referred to a social media post by Brooke Rollins, in which she stated that the agreement would allow more American agricultural products to enter the Indian market. According to Kharge, this clearly indicated that while US farmers would benefit, Indian farmers stood to lose significantly.
“The black laws were withdrawn only after farmers fought for over a year. And now you are repeating the same mistake through this trade deal,” Kharge said, warning the government that widespread resistance was inevitable.
“Once again, farmers will come out on the streets, and once again you will be forced to withdraw this decision.”
Earlier, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had assured Parliament that India’s agriculture and dairy sectors were safeguarded during negotiations.
However, Kharge dismissed these claims, stating that the real impact would be devastating for domestic farmers already struggling with rising costs and shrinking incomes.
Expanding his criticism, Kharge also accused the government of quietly opening the doors for Chinese trade, calling it a “strategic surrender.”
He pointed out that trade with China was increasing even as Beijing continued to assert territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh.
He further alleged that China had supported Pakistan during recent security operations, questioning the logic of strengthening economic ties under such circumstances.
Kharge also expressed concern over what he described as growing attacks on minorities and erosion of social harmony during the NDA government’s tenure, claiming that social justice was being systematically undermined.
Responding to Kharge’s remarks, Union Health Minister and Leader of the House J. P. Nadda reiterated the government’s stand that the trade deal would not harm agriculture or dairy interests.
He said discussions with the US were ongoing and that final details were yet to be worked out.
Earlier in the debate, Nadda highlighted what he called “transformational changes” under the leadership of Narendra Modi, claiming the government had given firm responses to terrorism and strengthened India’s global standing.
Taking a swipe at the Opposition, Nadda sarcastically suggested that Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary should conduct “skill development classes” for opposition parties, remarking that they had failed to establish credibility over the past 11 years.
The heated exchange reflected growing political tensions over the proposed trade deal, which is now shaping up to be a major flashpoint between the government and the Opposition — especially on issues concerning farmers’ livelihoods and national economic strategy.
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