Bengaluru: Terming the India-US trade agreement a “death warrant” for Indian farmers, Mukhyamantri Chandru, State President of Aam Aadmi Party Karnataka, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest held at Independence Park in the city.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Chandru alleged that the Centre, by signing what it termed a “historic” trade agreement with the United States, had compromised the interests of crores of small and marginal farmers who form the backbone of India’s economy.
‘Agriculture Backbone Being Undermined’
Chandru stated that agriculture continues to sustain a vast section of India’s population and warned that opening Indian markets to American agricultural products at zero or reduced tariffs would severely impact domestic farmers.
“India has traditionally maintained agriculture as the backbone of its economy. In such a situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by yielding to pressure and external interests, has written a death warrant for Indian farmers,” Chandru said.
He claimed that while Indian farmers largely operate without extensive mechanisation, American agriculture functions on a fully mechanised, large-scale model. According to him, allowing heavily mechanised US farm produce into Indian markets at minimal tariffs would create unfair competition.
Chandru further alleged that agricultural imports worth over Rs 45 lakh crore from the US could flood Indian markets under the new agreement. He also claimed that Indian farmers exporting produce to the US would face tariffs as high as 18 percent, terming it discriminatory.
Concerns Over Soybean Oil, Processed Products
AAP Karnataka Working President Sitaram Gundappa said that cheaper American agricultural produce could depress domestic prices. He expressed concern that imports of soybean oil and other farm-based products could negatively affect Indian processing industries and livestock feed supply chains.
State Organising Secretary Satish Kumar added that instead of focusing on high-technology sectors such as aeronautics, information technology, drones or renewable energy components, the Centre was prioritising agricultural imports that could destabilise India’s rural economy.
Support for Farmers’ Protests
Chandru announced that the party would extend full support to protests organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha across Karnataka. He stated that AAP leaders would stage demonstrations at district centres to oppose the trade agreement.
Several party leaders, including Usha Mohan, Ashok Mrityunjaya, Shashidhar Aaradhya, Dinesh, Puttanna Gowda and Pushpa Keshav, were present at the protest.
The Centre has not yet issued a detailed response to the specific allegations raised by AAP leaders regarding tariff structures and agricultural safeguards.
