Rahul Gandhi Slams Government Over India-US Trade Deal Impact on Agriculture and Industry
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp critique against the government, accusing it of "cheating cotton farmers and textile exporters in the country through the India-US interim trade deal." He asserted that this agreement "is likely to inflict deep damage on both sectors," highlighting significant concerns over its economic implications.
Tariff Disparity and Alleged Deception
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Gandhi explained the core issue: "18% tariff vs 0% — let me explain how the PM and his cabinet are spreading confusion on this issue. And how they are cheating India’s cotton farmers and textile exporters through the India-US trade deal." He pointed out that Bangladesh receives a zero percent tariff benefit on garment exports to the United States, with the sole condition being that they import American cotton.
Gandhi revealed that after the announcement of an 18% tariff on Indian garments, he raised questions in Parliament about the special concession granted to Bangladesh. "The reply from a minister of Modi govt was: 'If we also want the same benefit, we will have to import cotton from America'," he stated. This response prompted him to question the transparency and policy-making behind the deal.
Critical Questions and Policy Concerns
The Congress leader posed several pointed questions regarding the government's approach: "Why was this fact hidden from the country till now? And what kind of policy is this? Is this really any kind of choice, or is it a trap designed to push us into a 'well in front, ditch behind' situation?" He argued that the trade deal creates a no-win scenario for Indian stakeholders.
Gandhi elaborated on the dilemma faced by the nation: "If we import American cotton, our own farmers will be ruined. If we don’t import it, our textile industry will lag behind and get destroyed." This stark choice, he claimed, undermines both agricultural and industrial sectors critical to India's economy.
Broader Economic and Social Implications
Emphasizing the importance of the textile industry and cotton farming, Gandhi warned that "attacking these sectors means pushing millions of families into the pit of unemployment and economic crisis." He stressed that these industries are vital for employment and livelihoods across the country.
In his concluding remarks, Gandhi contrasted the current government's actions with what he described as ideal governance: "A visionary govt that thinks in the national interest would have negotiated a deal that protects and ensures the prosperity of both cotton farmers and textile exporters. But exactly the opposite has happened..." He implied that the trade agreement fails to safeguard national interests, prioritizing external commitments over domestic welfare.
The allegations come amid ongoing debates about trade policies and their impact on local industries, with Gandhi's statements likely to fuel further political and economic discussions on the subject.
