Trade Deal's Farmer Impact
Mallikarjun Kharge, serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, has voiced strong opposition to the recently finalized trade accord between
India and the United States. He characterized the agreement as fundamentally 'anti-farmer,' asserting that it would inevitably lead to significant unrest among the agricultural community, potentially forcing the government to reverse its decision, much like the previous withdrawal of farm laws in 2021. Kharge highlighted the unusual circumstance of Parliament members learning about the trade deal not through official governmental channels, but via an external announcement made by U.S. President Donald Trump while the legislative session was actively underway. This lack of direct parliamentary communication was seen as a profound disrespect to the institution. He specifically referenced a social media post by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, which indicated that the agreement would pave the way for increased import of American agricultural products into India. Kharge argued that this would directly disadvantage Indian farmers, whose livelihoods would be threatened, while simultaneously benefiting their American counterparts. He drew a parallel to the widespread farmer protests of 2021, warning that similar widespread mobilization could occur if the current administration repeats what he described as a 'mistake' by enacting policies detrimental to the farming sector.
Parliamentary Procedure & Trade with China
Kharge also underscored concerns about the legislative process, particularly the timing and manner in which the Indo-US trade deal was disclosed. He expressed dismay that elected representatives were informed of such a significant economic pact through a pronouncement by the U.S. President, rather than a formal briefing or statement within Parliament itself. This indirect revelation, he argued, was an affront to the legislative body and suggested a lack of transparency. Shifting focus, Kharge addressed the trade relationship with China, describing the current approach as an open invitation, or a 'red carpet,' for Chinese commerce. He termed this engagement a 'strategic surrender,' especially in light of ongoing territorial claims by China in Arunachal Pradesh. He noted the irony of increasing trade with China at a time when the government acknowledges China's support for Pakistan during sensitive security operations. This aspect of his address highlighted a perceived inconsistency in foreign policy and trade management, where economic engagement appears to supersede national security concerns or territorial integrity.
Minority Rights and Government Response
In addition to trade concerns, Mallikarjun Kharge raised serious issues regarding the treatment of minority communities under the current administration. He contended that social justice and harmony were being systematically undermined during the tenure of the NDA government. This part of his speech pointed to a broader critique of the government's domestic policies, extending beyond economic and foreign affairs to fundamental human rights and societal cohesion. Responding to Kharge's points, Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who also serves as the Leader of the House, reiterated Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's assertion that India's crucial agriculture and dairy sectors had been adequately safeguarded within the trade deal's framework. Nadda also reminded the House of Goyal's statement indicating that the finer details of the agreement would be jointly finalized by India and the U.S. He further highlighted the significant changes implemented under the Narendra Modi government, particularly in its firm response to terror attacks originating from Pakistan, citing the incidents in Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam. Nadda concluded with a pointed remark, suggesting that the opposition parties required 'skill development' to regain credibility, implying a deficiency in their political efficacy over the past decade.
