Bhopal is gearing up for a massive farmers’ mahapanchayat on February 24, where Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will spearhead protests against the proposed India-US trade deal. The event, organized by the Congress party in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, aims to expose what party leaders call the Modi government’s ‘anti-farmer’ policies.
Thousands of farmers are expected to converge on Bhopal to voice their opposition. Congress state in-charge Harish Chaudhary warned that the deal could flood Indian markets with cheap American soybeans and cotton, devastating local farmers and small traders. He drew parallels to the 1960s and 1970s when US grain embargoes crippled India, crediting the Green Revolution for self-reliance that could now be undone.
State Congress president Jitu Patwari labeled agriculture as India’s backbone, accusing the Modi regime of handing it over to foreign powers. ‘PM Modi has sold our farmers to America,’ he thundered, announcing the start of a nationwide awareness campaign from Bhopal, kicking off with a farmers’ chaupal in Budhni and a padyatra from Vidisha.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar questioned the deal’s motives, hinting at suspicious backstories and criticizing ties with US-backed Pakistan. ‘This is surrender, not trade,’ he said, emphasizing that Indian farmers aren’t ready for American imports.
The mahapanchayat signals the launch of a broader farmers’ movement, with Congress vowing to awaken the nation against policies threatening agricultural sovereignty. As tensions rise, all eyes are on Bhopal for what could ignite countrywide agitations.