VBA Founder Prakash Ambedkar Announces Major Protest Against Indo-US Trade Agreement
In a significant political development, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) founder Prakash Ambedkar has called for a state-wide protest against the Indo-US trade deal. The demonstration is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on March 2, with Ambedkar urging all political parties to participate in the agitation.
Opposition Parties Invited to Join the Movement
Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ambedkar revealed that he has already written letters to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, requesting their participation. "We have requested them and others, who are against BJP, to send their party workers during the protest," Ambedkar stated, emphasizing the need for a united front against the trade agreement.
Allegations of Compromised Foreign Policy
Ambedkar raised serious concerns about the trade deal, alleging that it includes clauses that align India's foreign policy with the United States government. "The Indo-US trade deal mentioned that India's foreign policy will be aligned with American govt," he claimed. He pointed to India's decision to stop importing oil from Russia as evidence of this shift, questioning whether the country has abandoned its independent foreign stance. "We had an independent foreign policy. Have we abandoned it now? Are we working according to the interests of America? Govt should clarify," Ambedkar demanded.
Call for Broader Public Participation
The VBA founder appealed to various segments of society to join the protest. "The middle class of this country, non-ruling political parties and social organisations should join hands with us to raise their voice against the trade deal," he asserted, highlighting the widespread implications of the agreement.
Additional Allegations and Future Plans
Ambedkar also made claims about India purchasing Rafale fighter jets at higher prices compared to Indonesia, suggesting that the central government is under international pressure. Looking ahead, he proposed that the next protest should be held either outside the RSS headquarters in Nagpur or in front of the office of the President. "Either of these institutions should order the PM to resign," he declared, indicating escalating political demands.
The announcement sets the stage for a potentially large-scale political mobilization in Mumbai, with the trade deal becoming a focal point for opposition unity and public dissent.
