Ludhiana, February 12: In a sharp critique, Punjab BJP spokesperson Preetpal Singh Baliwal accused the state’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of deliberately misleading farmers and stakeholders in the dairy sector over the India-US trade agreement.
Baliwal emphasized that the agreement provides complete protection for sensitive agriculture and dairy products, explicitly excluding them from any provisions that could harm Punjab’s interests. He presented a joint press statement from the India-US agreement to the media, underscoring these safeguards.
Questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Baliwal pointed out the contradiction: if the deal truly endangers farmers and industry, why did AAP ministers Sanjeev Arora and Rajinder Gupta publicly praise it? This hypocrisy, he argued, exposes AAP’s false propaganda.
The BJP leader dismissed AAP’s claims that the trade pact would devastate Punjab’s farming and dairy sectors. Instead, he asserted that the agreement fully safeguards the state’s key advantages while opening doors to new investments, boosting exports, and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Without producing any official documents to substantiate their fears, AAP is sowing unnecessary panic, Baliwal charged. He challenged the government to release any evidence showing potential damage to Punjab’s agriculture, dairy, or industry from the deal.
Reassuring stakeholders, Baliwal vowed no compromises on farmers’ and dairy producers’ interests. The agreement promises economic growth through enhanced opportunities.
The event saw district BJP president Rajnish Dhiman, district vice-president Naval Jain, press secretary Satish Kumar, social media secretary Rajan Pandhe, spokespersons Surinder Kaushal, Saurav Kapoor, and other party leaders in attendance.