Akhilesh Yadav Accuses Government Over US Tariffs, Cites Potential Pitfalls of Free Trade Deal. Says if Non-Veg Milk Arrives, Even Those Fasting Will Have to Reconsider.
Akhilesh Reaction: SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav has targeted the central government regarding the 25% tariff imposed by the United States on India. Questioning the potential impact of a Free Trade Deal, he stated that non-vegetarian milk could potentially arrive from the US, impacting the faith of people who observe religious fasts. He also cornered the government on issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the condition of farmers.
What is the Matter?
Recently, the US announced a 25% import duty (tariff) on India, which impacted the Indian stock market. The Sensex fell by more than 600 points, and the Nifty by 170 points. This tariff is likely to affect several key sectors, including agriculture and dairy products. Following this, opposition parties have begun questioning the government.
Akhilesh Yadav's Major Statement
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, using this tariff as a reference, questioned the government's foreign policy and Free Trade Deal. He said, "If there is a Free Trade Deal with America, such milk can come to India which is non-vegetarian. In such a situation, people who fast and eat sweets made from milk may unknowingly be observing a non-vegetarian fast."
He also said that India should enter into foreign trade agreements keeping in mind its own needs and traditions. According to him, milk or dairy products coming from the US may contain elements that are not considered pure according to Indian religious traditions.
Direct Attack on BJP
Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP government at the Center of distracting from the issues of the country's farmers, youth, and general public. He said, "Inflation is continuously increasing, employment opportunities have disappeared, government jobs are not available, and farmers are struggling for fertilizers. They promised to double the income of farmers, but that has not materialized on the ground."
Akhilesh Yadav Questions Free Trade with America: 'What about the fast if Non-Veg Milk arrives?'
People are Leaving the Country
Akhilesh Yadav also claimed that the quality of life in India is continuously declining, due to which lakhs of people are leaving the country and settling abroad every year. He said, "The government should think about why Indian citizens are seeking permanent residence abroad."
Trade Deficit with China and America
He said that India's trade deficit with countries like America and China is continuously increasing. He questioned the government as to why the country is not paying attention to increasing domestic production, and why it is bowing down to foreign companies.
In response to a question about PoK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir), Akhilesh Yadav said, "BJP only does politics of emotions. It cannot even look towards PoK. Ignoring the issues of the public, only a strategy of garnering votes is being adopted."
