Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has slammed the central government for scrapping the 11 per cent import duty on American cotton. He calls it a big betrayal of India’s farmers, saying this move will crash domestic cotton prices below Rs 900 per 20 kg. This could push farmers into heavy debt and despair, especially when they’re already struggling with rising costs.
Speaking in Ahmedabad after his planned Kisan Mahapanchayat in Chotila got postponed due to waterlogging, Kejriwal didn’t hold back. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “sacrificing farmers to please Trump.” At the same time, he pointed out the huge crisis hitting lakhs of diamond workers in Surat. They’re reeling from a 50 per cent US tariff on polished diamonds, which has left many unable to afford school fees or even two meals a day.
Kejriwal demands quick action: Restore the 11 per cent duty on imported cotton right away. He also wants a Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed at Rs 2,100 per 20 kg, along with guaranteed procurement to protect farmers. “Our farmers took loans in June-July to sow cotton for seeds, fertilizers, and labor. Their harvest comes in October-November, but this government decision has ruined everything. American cotton is now cheaper, and textile mills are already ordering in bulk from the US. What will happen to our farmers’ crops?” he asked.
He reminded everyone of Gujarat’s past. Back in 2013, when Modi was Chief Minister, cotton prices were Rs 1,500-Rs 1,700 per 20 kg. Modi had called them too low and demanded Rs 2,500. “Eleven years later, farmers aren’t even getting Rs 1,200. Input costs have skyrocketed, but prices keep falling. Once US cotton floods the market, they’ll barely get Rs 900. American farmers will make profits, while ours get ruined,” Kejriwal said.
Linking this to global politics, the AAP chief alleged that PM Modi is bowing to pressure from Trump. He also highlighted the Surat diamond workers’ plight, urging India to fight back. “Other countries hit back at Trump’s tariffs, and he backed down. Why is India staying silent? Why can’t Modi show America its place? We have 140 crore people and a massive consumer market. Slap a 75 per cent or even 100 per cent tariff on American goods—Trump will cave. That’s how the world handles him,” Kejriwal added.
AAP has laid out four key demands to the Centre: Bring back the 11 per cent cotton import duty, set MSP at Rs 2,100 per 20 kg, ensure procurement, and provide subsidies on inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
Kejriwal didn’t spare the Congress either. He attacked them for their “silence” on farmers and workers. “Congress has nothing to do with them. They’re too busy serving BJP’s interests,” he claimed.
