Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are set to visit Bhopal on Tuesday for a protest against the interim India-US trade framework. The party claims that the deal, allowing cheaper US imports, is detrimental to Indian farmers.
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari announced the visit, emphasizing the need to advocate for the rights of farmers affected by the trade agreement. He criticized the government for allegedly succumbing to US pressure, resulting in reduced prices for key crops like soybean, cotton, and maize.
Patwari described the trade deal as a forced compromise that directly impacts soybean, maize, and cotton farmers in Madhya Pradesh, along with their families. The upcoming protest on February 24 aims to highlight the party’s dedication to supporting farmers nationwide.
The event in Bhopal will take the form of a Kisan Sammelan (farmers’ convention) and marks the beginning of a targeted campaign in states vulnerable to the trade agreement’s effects. The protest is expected to draw over one lakh farmers from various regions of Madhya Pradesh.
Details shared about the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ at Atal Path in Jawahr Chowk include the participation of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The event, starting at 2 pm, will feature a large stage with seating for around 250 leaders and office-bearers.
Congress MLA Umang Singhar, highlighting concerns for soybean and cotton farmers, stressed the importance of the Kisan Mahapanchayat in raising awareness about the trade deal’s perceived negative impact on farmers. The event is part of the party’s efforts to address what they term as the “anti-farmer implications” of the agreement.
