“Under the pressure of Trump, the Narendra Modi government decided to remove the 11% duty imposed on cotton coming from America”. Describing Trump as a “coward” who has “bowed before countries which stood firmly against him”, Kejriwal also wondered “I don’t know what compulsions PM Modi have that he is not saying anything”.
In one of his sharpest attacks, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “betraying” India’s cotton farmers by removing import duties on American cotton under “pressure” from US President Donald Trump. Describing Trump as a “coward” who has “bowed before countries which stood firmly against him”, he also wondered” “I don’t know what compulsions PM Modi has that he is not saying anything”. The decision would make American cotton cheaper and harm Indian farmers he said, demanding immediate roll back of the decision on a day the Finance Ministry extended the order till December 31.
India should have responded strongly to America’s 50 % tariff with a 100 % tariff on its goods, like other countries have done, Kejriwal said, accusing PM Modi of failing to protect farmers and taking decisions “quietly”. “We demand that this order of withdrawing 11% import duty on cotton should be withdrawn with immediate effect import duty imposed again,” he said.
“PM Modi has taken some decisions behind our backs which are a huge betrayal of the farmers of the entire country. Recently, under the pressure of Trump, his government decided to remove the 11% duty imposed on American cotton. Now, there will be no duty on cotton coming from America from 19 August to 30 September, for 40 days during which Indian traders would have completed their requirement by the time Indian cotton comes to the market. American cotton which would be cheaper by an average of Rs 15-20 per kg,” he said
India should have taken a tougher stand against Washington, he said, adding “If Trump has imposed a 50 % tariff on Indian goods, we should have imposed a 100 % tariff on American goods. Are we a weak nation? This is a country of 140 crore people. We have a huge market, everyone wants a share of this market,” he said
The former Delhi CM warned that removal of duties on American cotton would devastate Indian farmers.
Government extends order till December 31
