Congress Leaders Sound Alarm Over Indo-US Trade Deal, Accuse PM Modi of Surrendering to US Pressure
Congress leaders in Jandiala Guru raised serious concerns on Friday, warning that the proposed Indo-US trade agreement could spell disaster for India's agricultural sector. They asserted that the deal would allow American farm products to inundate local markets, threatening the livelihoods of countless Indian farmers.
Allegations of Weak Leadership and Foreign Pressure
The leaders strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he capitulated under pressure from former US President Donald Trump. They claimed that Modi accepted conditions detrimental to India's national interests, portraying this as a sign of weak leadership. One speaker remarked that under Modi's administration, India is perceived as vulnerable to coercion from both the United States and China.
Rally for MGNREGA and Political Resolutions
During the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' rally, Congress representatives vowed to fight for the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Drawing parallels to the repeal of the three farm laws, they expressed confidence that public pressure would force the government to reinstate MGNREGA. Bhupesh, a prominent Congress figure, made a firm commitment that if the BJP-led central government fails to revive the scheme, a future Congress administration in Punjab, anticipated in 2027, would implement special measures to protect impoverished laborers from its abolition.
Long-Term Vision for National Governance
Looking ahead, Bhupesh outlined a broader political vision, stating that a Congress government at the national level in 2029, with Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister, would fully restore MGNREGA to its original form. This pledge underscores the party's long-term strategy to address rural employment and welfare issues.
Criticism of MGNREGA Implementation in Punjab
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also addressed the rally, blaming both the central and state governments for the ineffective implementation of MGNREGA in Punjab. He noted that while Prime Minister Modi has now scrapped the scheme, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had already failed to provide adequate work opportunities under it, resulting in negligible benefits for the state's rural population.
Defense of Rahul Gandhi Amid Controversy
Warring further condemned the BJP for allegedly distorting a conversation between Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu. He clarified that he was present during the exchange and explained that Rahul referred to Bittu as a "traitor friend" in a specific context. Warring accused the BJP of attempting to communalize the issue and falsely claim that Rahul insulted the Sikh community. He highlighted that Bittu himself had acknowledged wearing a turban at Rahul's suggestion and emphasized Rahul's deep respect for Sikhism, citing his seva at Darbar Sahib as evidence. "Can such a person really insult Sikhs?" Warring questioned, defending Rahul's integrity and commitment to religious harmony.
