As the second phase of the Parliament's budget session commences, opposition parties are gearing up to corner the government over its stance on the US tariff policy.
New Delhi: With the commencement of the second phase of the Parliament's budget session, opposition parties are preparing to challenge the government regarding its position on the US tariff policy. Several opposition parties, including the Congress, plan to demand clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament about whether India has accepted the terms of the US tariff reduction.
Controversy over US Statement, Demand for Clarity from the Government
This controversy erupted after US President Donald Trump claimed in a statement that India had agreed to tariff reductions. This statement was particularly noteworthy as it came while India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was in Washington for trade talks. The Congress bly objected, questioning whether the Indian government had signed a 'secret agreement' that could harm the country's farmers and manufacturing industry.
Opposition Strategy
The Congress, DMK, and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu are formulating a joint strategy to vigorously raise this issue in Parliament. The opposition argues that the Modi government must clarify the terms of its agreement with the US and its impact on India's economy. Furthermore, the opposition plans to bly oppose the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies in South India and the new language policy in school education. DMK and its allied parties with Congress will forcefully raise this matter in the House.
Agreement Reached During Piyush Goyal's US Trip?
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated, "Has the Modi government taken a decision against Indian farmers and the manufacturing sector? If so, the Prime Minister should answer this himself in Parliament on March 10th." While no official statement has been released by the government, it is likely that the Prime Minister or Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will clarify the matter in Parliament.
A heated debate between the government and the opposition is highly anticipated during this session. The Congress is preparing to frame this issue as a major political issue by connecting it to farmers, traders, and the general public. It remains to be seen what stance the government adopts and whether the opposition's demands receive a concrete response.
