Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized the Centre for the trade agreement with the United States, expressing concerns about its impact on India’s textile industry and cotton farmers. Gandhi highlighted that the deal could jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of families dependent on the textile sector. He pointed out that the tariff structure in the agreement puts India at a disadvantage compared to Bangladesh, potentially leading to the destruction of India’s textile industry.
Gandhi disputed a Union Minister’s suggestion that importing US cotton could yield similar benefits, emphasizing the critical role of Indian cotton in sustaining the country’s textile mills. He warned that choosing the Bangladesh route could harm cotton farmers and the cotton industry, while not opting for it could lead to the demise of the textile sector. Gandhi criticized the government for overlooking potential shifts in Bangladesh’s cotton sourcing strategy, which he attributed to the India-US deal.
The Congress leader stressed the significance of cotton cultivation and textile manufacturing in supporting livelihoods across India. He criticized the current trade agreement as detrimental to the interests of cotton farmers and textile exporters, contrasting it with what he deemed a more responsible approach. Gandhi warned that damaging these sectors could result in widespread unemployment and economic crises for numerous families in the country.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey swiftly responded to Gandhi’s remarks, accusing him of spreading misinformation and challenging him to a public debate on the issue. Dubey questioned the necessity and scale of US cotton imports for India’s textile industry, the status of domestic cotton production, the condition of Indian cotton farmers and textile mills, and alleged connections between Gandhi’s narrative and external influences. The challenge from Dubey follows heightened political tensions, including his recent motion seeking Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification over allegations of unethical conduct and anti-national links.
