NEW DELHI: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Thailand for a meeting on the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said the mega trade deal would be a “body blow” to the economy which would result in untold hardship for farmers, shopkeepers and the small-scale industries.
Attacking the trade deal, she said, “We can ill afford to become a dumping ground for products – including agricultural produce from foreign countries.”
Sonias frontal assault over RCEP was accompanied by strong criticism of the Modi government over economic slowdown, with the Congress chief saying that a sharp dip in GDP and 8.5% joblessness have brought untold misery on the common man.
“What is even more worrying is that the government is in complete denial. Instead of acknowledging the severe slowdown and looking for a comprehensive resolution, PM Modi is too busy managing headlines and events,” she said.
The comments came at a meeting of the AICC office-bearers where Sonia Gandhi instructed them to ensure success of the nationwide protest over economic slowdown from November 5-15. She urged frontal organisations like the students body to ensure participation of their target group.
After the ten-day protest, Congress will hold a public rally in the capital to highlight various issues.
As part of creating a broader political partnership ahead of Parliament session starting November 18, Congress has called a meeting of opposition parties on Monday.
During the discussions at the AICC headquarters, the Congress chief urged party leaders to simplify the complex economic picture for the common man to grasp its gravity. Among several suggestions, an office-bearer said it could be done through simple mRead More – Source
Regional trade deal to spell doom for farmers, small biz, says Sonia
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