Chandigarh, Feb 12: The Aam Aadmi Party staged intense protests throughout Punjab on Thursday, accusing the Central Government of compromising national interests through its recent trade deal with the United States. During the demonstrations, which were held in support of the nationwide strike, AAP representatives noted that the deal creates an uneven playing field that favors American exporters over Indian farmers and traders.
Protesters carrying placards and chanting slogans against the Union Government gathered at district headquarters to voice their concerns. The party leadership mentioned that the deal’s provision for tax-free American imports would lead to a total standstill for local dairy operators and farmers who cannot compete with the lower prices of imported goods.
“This agreement will break the backbone of India’s agricultural system,” noted Farmers’ Wing President Mohinder Singh Sidhu. He mentioned that the policy allows for the unchecked sale of American farm products, which will inevitably displace indigenous produce from the local market.
Ranjit Pal Singh, General Secretary of the AAP Trade Wing, questioned the logic behind the lopsided tax arrangements. He noted that the lack of reciprocity in the deal is a significant concern for the trading community.
“Why no tax on American products, while Indian goods face 18% tax in the US?” Singh asked. He directly said that the deal fails to protect the interests of Indian small businesses and instead prioritizes foreign diplomatic pressure over domestic economic health.
The sentiment was echoed by General Secretary Satvir Singh Bakshi Wala, who noted that the government has surrendered the country’s economic autonomy to foreign entities. He mentioned that the party views this as a step toward making India dependent on international companies for its basic food needs.
“The Modi government has handed over the country to foreign companies,” Bakshi Wala noted. He mentioned that the AAP is committed to taking this fight to the grassroots level, ensuring that the anti-people nature of the policy is fully exposed before the 2027 elections.
