Amit Shah Accuses Congress of Spreading Lies on Trade Deals
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, accusing them of "spreading lies" and misleading farmers regarding India's trade agreements with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Speaking at an event in Gandhinagar, Shah firmly asserted that the government has fully protected the country's agriculture and dairy sectors in these deals.
Shah Dismisses Opposition Claims as "Laughable"
Shah termed the Opposition's contentions that the trade agreements would harm Indian farmers as "laughable." He expressed amusement at Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary speeches on farmer protection, stating, "I feel like laughing when Congress's ‘Shahzada' Rahul Gandhi stands in Parliament and talks about protecting farmers. The Congress has a long history of misleading the country, and now they are spreading lies about trade deals." The event marked the launch of India's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based public distribution system.
Assurance to Farmers and Dairy Sector
In his address, Shah provided a direct assurance to the agricultural community, saying, "I want to assure the farmers, cattle-rearers and fishermen of this country that in every trade deal signed with the EU, England and America, Prime Minister Narendra Modi safeguarded your interests completely. There is no need to worry." He specifically countered Congress criticism that the agreements would destroy India's dairy sector, emphasizing, "Rahul Gandhi is spreading a lie that PM Modi finished India's dairy sector by signing these deals. We are the people who expanded the dairy sector, not weakened it. In all the agreements, full protection was given to the dairy sector."
Challenge for Public Debate
Shah challenged Rahul Gandhi to a public debate on the issue, stating, "Rahul Gandhi ji, decide any platform. Even the president of the BJP Yuva Morcha can come and debate with you on who harmed farmers and who worked for their welfare." This move underscores the political tension surrounding the trade agreements and their perceived impact on rural communities.
Defense of Trade Agreements
Defending the trade deals, Shah highlighted their potential benefits, noting, "Through these agreements, our agricultural produce and fishermen's products will get access to world markets. At the same time, farmers' interests were protected. The BJP and PM Modi can never compromise with farmers' interests." He reiterated the government's commitment to balancing international trade opportunities with domestic sector safeguards, aiming to dispel fears and promote confidence among stakeholders.
