BJP sold agri sector to US through trade deal: MLA

All-India Congress Committee Secretary Pargat Singh on Tuesday levelled serious allegations against BJP-led Centre over the India-US trade deal.

Addressing a press conference alongwith MLA Hardev S Laddi Sherowalia, DCC chief Rajinder Beri, halqa incharges Surinder Chaudhary, Dr Navjot Dahiya, Surinder Kaur and Rajinder Singh, Pargat said that the Centre had effectively sold the country's agricultural sector into the hands of the United States.

He termed the agreement as one that would force farmers onto the streets and demanded that it be immediately revoked in the interest of the nation's farmers. He added that the Congress is protesting against the deal across the country and raising awareness among the public.

Speaking to journalists, Pargat Singh said that the deal would not only affect farmers but also impact markets and trading partners. He stated that industries such as leather and plastic, along with crops like cotton, would suffer significant losses.

No trade sector would remain untouched, he said, adding that even dairy products would be imported from the US. According to him, this would increase unemployment in the country and in Punjab, while also damaging the rural economy. He alleged that this reflects the mind-set of the BJP and the RSS against the country's food providers.

He further claimed that the BJP's "B-team," the Aam Aadmi Party, appeared to be siding with the Centre on the issue. He accused it of staging token protests merely to mislead the public. He alleged that the BJP is spreading misinformation about the deal to justify what he described as wrong decisions taken under pressure in the US.

Pargat Singh reiterated that the agreement is not in the interest of the country or Punjab's farmers. He said the Congress is organising nationwide protests against the deal and mobilising farmers and citizens against the agreement. The party, he added, would continue its agitation.