Chandigarh, Feb 12: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday accused the Union Government of betraying the nation’s farmers by signing a trade deal that he claims favors the United States. Addressing the media, Cheema stated that the BJP has abandoned its “Swadeshi” claims and effectively surrendered the Indian agricultural market to American capitalists.
The Minister mentioned that the influx of subsidized American farm products would depress domestic prices and push millions of marginal farmers toward economic ruin. He noted that Punjab, as the food bowl of India, stands to lose the most from the deal, which he described as a deep-seated political and economic conspiracy.
“If cheap American milk powder, cheese, grains and cheese flood India, where will Punjab’s farmers go?” Cheema asked during the briefing. He noted that the very farmers who led the Green Revolution are now being targeted by policies that favor large corporate houses.
Referring to statements from the Trump administration, the Finance Minister noted that the US intends to use this deal to manage its trade deficit by exporting more agricultural goods to India’s massive market. He mentioned that the reduction of tariffs on US imports to zero percent is a “shameful” move that exposes the BJP’s disregard for small-scale Indian producers.
Taking aim at the Punjab BJP unit, Cheema challenged leaders to justify their support for the pact. He noted that leaders like Sunil Jakhar are misleading the public without having the courage to address the “America First” victory claims being made by US officials. He mentioned that the AAP would take this truth to every village to protect the dignity of the farmers.
The Minister concluded by stating that the AAP is ready for a public debate on the issue. He noted that the people of Punjab, who have a history of fighting for independence, will not tolerate an attempt to make the country’s food supply dependent on foreign powers once again.
