Union Home Minister Amit Shah Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Spreading Lies About Trade Pacts
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Gandhinagar, accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading misinformation and deceiving farmers regarding India’s trade agreements with the US, UK, and the EU. Shah asserted that the government has effectively safeguarded the country’s agriculture and dairy sectors.
Shah dismissed the Congress’s claims that trade agreements would harm Indian farmers as “laughable.” He emphasized that the government has prioritized the protection of farmers’ interests in every agreement.
Challenging Rahul Gandhi, Shah stated, “Rahul Gandhi is spreading lies about trade deals with the European Union, England, and America harming our farmers and dairy sector. I assure the farmers, cattle-rearers, and fishermen that their interests have been fully safeguarded in every agreement signed by PM Modi.”
Shah highlighted that during the previous regime, agreements detrimental to Indian agriculture were signed, but PM Modi reversed such provisions upon assuming office in 2014. He reiterated that the government has provided full protection to the dairy sector in all agreements.
Defending Trade Agreements and Farmers’ Interests
Shah defended the recent trade agreements, emphasizing that they would provide Indian agricultural produce and fishermen’s products access to global markets while ensuring the protection of farmers’ interests. He asserted that the BJP and PM Modi would never compromise on farmers’ welfare.
Shah also addressed the Congress’s criticism of the agreements potentially harming India’s dairy sector, stating that the government has expanded, not weakened, the dairy industry. He challenged Gandhi to a public debate on the issue.
Government’s Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare
Shah highlighted the government’s initiatives for farmers’ welfare, contrasting the actions taken during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA rule with the Modi government’s efforts. He emphasized the significant increase in budget allocation for farmers under PM Modi’s leadership.
Shah praised PM Modi’s direct transfer of financial assistance to farmers and the government’s commitment to eradicating poverty through various welfare schemes. He underscored the transparency and efficiency achieved in providing free foodgrains to millions of people across the country.
Introduction of CBDC-Based Public Distribution System
Shah announced the launch of India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar. He emphasized that the new system would ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in foodgrain distribution.
He expressed confidence in the implementation of the CBDC-based system nationwide, strengthening food security and safeguarding the rights of the poor. Shah highlighted the benefits of the new system, particularly in remote and aspirational districts where foodgrains often did not reach beneficiaries.
Shah expressed satisfaction that Gujarat was chosen for the pilot project, ensuring that every poor citizen receives essential rations in a transparent manner. He emphasized the elimination of middlemen in the distribution process.
Future Expansion and Benefits of CBDC-Based PDS
Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the government’s commitment to implementing the CBDC-based PDS in other regions across the country. He emphasized the benefits of the new system in ensuring transparent and efficient distribution of foodgrains.
Overall, the government’s initiatives aim to prioritize farmers’ welfare, enhance food security, and combat poverty through transparent and efficient distribution systems.
