Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs Gopal Italia and Chaitar Vasava were present at the Gujarat Assembly on Monday to participate in the Budget Session, where the proposed India-US trade arrangement became a key point of discussion even before proceedings began.
Speaking to the media outside the Assembly, AAP MLA Gopal Italia criticised the BJP-led governments over the trade deal issue. He alleged that the Government of India had entered into a one-sided trade agreement under pressure from the United States, claiming it would benefit America while adversely affecting farmers, cattle rearers, and small and medium traders in India, particularly in Gujarat.
Italia stated that under the arrangement, certain goods exported from India to the United States would face an 18% tax, while American agricultural and other products would reportedly attract 0% tax when entering India. He argued that American farmers receive substantial subsidies, making their agricultural sector highly competitive.
According to Italia, allowing imports of milk, oilseeds, cotton, soybean and other agricultural products from the United States without tax would make it difficult for local farmers to compete. He added that agriculture is already facing profitability challenges, and cheaper imports could further weaken the economic condition of farmers and cattle rearers in Gujarat.
Italia said the Aam Aadmi Party has clearly opposed the trade deal and demanded that it be cancelled in the interest of farmers, cattle rearers and milk producers in Gujarat. He called for appropriate safeguards to protect their livelihoods.
Referring to the Governor’s office, Italia remarked that although Raj Bhavan was renamed Lok Bhavan, “the mentality has not changed.” He stated that as a national party, AAP had sought time on four separate occasions to meet the Governor on different issues but had not been granted an appointment even once, which he termed unfortunate.
He further urged the Gujarat government to bring a resolution in the Assembly seeking cancellation of the trade deal and to make a strong representation before the central government to safeguard the interests of farmers and cattle rearers.
The remarks were made as the Budget Session commenced on Monday, with trade and agricultural concerns emerging as prominent political issues.