Punjab Assembly Unanimously Condemns Proposed US-India Trade Agreement
In a significant political development, the Punjab legislative assembly has passed a strong condemnation resolution against the proposed India–United States trade deal during its ongoing budget session. The resolution, supported by both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition legislators, has sparked intense debate, with lawmakers invoking the controversial Epstein files to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government.
Epstein Files Allegations Dominate Legislative Debate
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa delivered a fiery speech supporting the condemnation resolution, drawing parallels to the government's withdrawal of the three farm laws. "The unfortunate reality is that since the emergence of the Epstein files case, there has been tremendous pressure on the Prime Minister," Bajwa asserted. He elaborated, "You understand the implications. Even former US President Donald Trump's name features prominently in those files, and there is reportedly sensitive information concerning our Prime Minister as well. Under this pressure, the latest agreement represents a complete sell-out of national interests."
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in his concluding address on the resolution, echoed similar concerns. "The Epstein files mention two to three individuals. I don't know what compulsion exists," Mann stated. He claimed America has suggested that "if they speak, the political career of Modi will end, which is why all conditions must be adhered to."
Sovereignty and Transparency Concerns Raised
AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Banawali emphasized India's sovereignty during the debate. "We are not a colony of America but a sovereign nation," he declared. Banawali criticized the lack of transparency, noting, "We don't learn about these agreements through proper channels but often through tweets from the United States." He connected this to the Epstein files controversy, suggesting, "The only reason is that in those files, our national leadership appears entangled. Union Minister Hardeep Puri's name has also surfaced. While individuals worldwide resigned when implicated, our leaders instead jeopardize the country. This agreement will sound a death knell for our farmers."
Agricultural Sector Faces Existential Threat
The opposition focused extensively on the potential devastation to India's agricultural sector. Bajwa warned, "Pulses are included in this agreement. Initially, when Americans proposed including pulses, the government requested exclusions to avoid farmer protests in major agricultural states. They temporarily reserved some items, but cotton, pulses, and numerous other products remain included. Even apples have been permitted, causing significant losses to growers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir."
He projected further expansion, saying, "Soybean is coming, corn is coming, and wheat will likely follow within six months to a year. International wheat prices hover around Rs 1,300 per quintal, while India's Minimum Support Price is approximately Rs 2,600. If foreign wheat enters at Rs 1,300, imagine the plight of farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and other states."
Dairy Industry Vulnerability Highlighted
Bajwa also raised alarms about the dairy sector. "In virtually every village and city, families maintain two buffaloes or cows as an alternative income source. When American dairy production penetrates our market, where milk sells at Rs 50–60 per litre, they could undercut at Rs 35–40. This would collapse companies like Verka and Amul, with their by-products flooding the market."
Political Leaders Decry "Surrender" to US Interests
Congress MLA Pargat Singh condemned the agreement as "not a trade deal but a surrender by the Prime Minister to the United States." He highlighted disparities in agricultural support, noting, "The US provides subsidies of about ₹1.5 lakh crore to its farmers, while Indian farmers receive only ₹6,000 per family. This imbalance makes it an unfair agreement."
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reinforced these concerns, stating, "This agreement could severely harm Indian agriculture and expose domestic farmers to unjust global competition." Cheema referenced social media posts by US officials, including US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who celebrated "newfound access to India's massive population for American agricultural exports." He quoted Rollins: "Thank you President Trump for delivering for our American farmers. The new US-India deal will export more American farm products to India's massive market... America First victory."
Cheema demanded accountability, asking, "The Union government must explain whether it prioritizes foreign corporate interests over the welfare of India's people." The resolution underscores growing regional resistance to international trade agreements perceived as threatening local economies and sovereignty.
