New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump’s controversial interim trade deal has ignited unprecedented protests across India. On Thursday, February 12, the nation’s leading farmer organizations and trade unions launched a massive “Bharat Bandh” (All-India Strike), paralyzing normal life in several regions. As the opposition intensified its outcry inside and outside Parliament with slogans of “Surrender Modi,” the Modi government finds itself embroiled in a severe political crisis.
Farmers Hit the Streets: Is the Market Mortgaged to America?
Protesters allege that allowing American agricultural products into the Indian market at significantly lower tariffs will push local farmers into poverty. Over 100 farmers’ organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), spearheaded the strike. Veteran farmer leader Hannan Mollah warned that small-scale Indian farmers cannot compete with the heavily subsidized corporate farming giants of the United States. “This struggle will continue until our demands are met. If not, the people will unite to bring this government down,” he cautioned.
The deal grants tariff concessions for soybean oil, fruits, wine, spirits, and raw materials for cattle feed. Experts point out that this move will severely impact India’s dairy sector and oilseed farmers. Apple growers in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are particularly vulnerable; with duty-free American apples entering the market, a sharp crash in local prices is almost certain.
Cries of ‘Surrender Modi’ Echo in Parliament
Opposition parties, led by the Congress, accused the Modi government of betraying Indian workers and farmers to please the US administration. Mallikarjun Kharge described the agreement not as a “Trade Deal,” but as a “Trap Deal.” Rahul Gandhi reiterated grave allegations, suggesting the Trump administration is leveraging sensitive issues to pressure the Indian government. The opposition maintains that this policy enriches American farmers at the expense of India’s rural poor.
Government Defense vs. Ground Reality
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal dismissed the allegations, claiming that interests of local farmers are safeguarded by keeping milk, dairy products, wheat, and rice out of the deal’s scope. The government argues that opening the US market to Indian exporters will create millions of jobs.
However, the administration remains silent on how it plans to recover the ₹80,000 crore loss incurred after halting discounted Russian oil imports under US pressure. Many strategic analysts view the distancing from Russia as a significant failure of India’s independent foreign policy.
Who Loses the Most?
For the 86% of Indian farmers who operate on a small scale, this deal is being called a “death warrant.” When combined with the new labor codes and the privatization of public sector units, critics argue that India’s economic sovereignty is under threat.
With crucial assembly elections approaching this year, the escalating farmer resentment could deal a heavy blow to the Modi government. Observers warn that in the pursuit of friendship with Trump, ignoring the plight of domestic farmers could lead to a political disaster.
CMN🍁Buzz – Editorial Team
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