Daijiworld Media Network – Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, Feb 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading “lies” and misleading farmers over India’s trade agreements with the US, UK and the European Union, asserting that the Centre has fully safeguarded the agriculture and dairy sectors.

Addressing a gathering in Gandhinagar after launching India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System, Shah termed the Opposition’s allegations that trade pacts would harm Indian farmers as “laughable”.

“I feel like laughing when Congress’s Shahzada Rahul Gandhi stands in Parliament and talks about protecting farmers. The Congress has a long history of misleading the country and now they are spreading lies about trade deals,” Shah said.

He also challenged Gandhi to a public debate on the issue.

“Rahul Gandhi ji, decide any platform. Even the president of the BJP Yuva Morcha can come and debate with you on who has harmed farmers and who has worked for their welfare,” he added.
Shah asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured comprehensive protection for farmers, cattle-rearers and fishermen in every trade agreement signed with the European Union, England and the United States.

“I want to assure the farmers, cattle-rearers and fishermen of this country that in every trade deal signed with the European Union, England and America, Narendra Modi has safeguarded your interests completely. There is no need to worry,” he said.

Referring to Congress’s criticism that the agreements would adversely impact the dairy sector, Shah alleged that Rahul Gandhi was spreading misinformation.

“Rahul Gandhi is spreading a lie that PM Modi has finished India’s dairy sector by signing these deals. We are the people who expanded the dairy sector, not weakened it. In all the agreements, full protection has been given to dairy,” the Union minister said.

Recently, following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, both countries announced a reduction of US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.

Last month, India and the European Union concluded negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to boost bilateral commerce and strengthen economic ties between the two sides, according to official statements.