New Delhi [India], March 11 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading "lies" about likely losses to Indian farmers due to the India-US Interim Trade Agreement, stating the real setback to farmers had occurred during negotiations at the World Trade Organisation in 2013 under the previous government.
"Opposition says that Indian farmers would suffer losses due to the India-US trade deal. This claim is a lie being spread. I want to say that Indian farmers have not suffered losses in any single agreement," Shah said.
India has entered into trade agreements with several countries.
According to Shah, the real issue dates back to negotiations at the WTO in 2013, when key provisions related to food security and agricultural support were accepted during the Congress-led government. He said those decisions had put Indian farmers at risk, but later, when the BJP-led government came, due protection was ensured.
Shah also referred to the recently held global AI Impact Summit, which saw large international participation.
Slamming Congress's "shirtless protest", Shah said, "Congress, following its tradition, undresses to stage protests and claims the right to protest. The Janta Mantar in Delhi is a place to hold protests. They went to the place in Delhi and tarnished India's prestige. While opposing the BJP, they are harming India."
Shah further criticised the Opposition for bringing a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, stating that such actions cast doubt on constitutional institutions.
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday rejected the opposition resolution for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla through a voice vote amid noisy scenes in the House with Congress members protesting against the remarks of Amit Shah against party leader Rahul Gandhi.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair, asked Mohammad Jawed to speak after the Home Minister's reply and said he can do so only when Congress members go to their seats. Amid loud sloganeering by the opposition members, Jagdambika Pal called for a voice vote and said the resolution had been defeated.