India-US trade deal row: Karnataka CM urges PM Modi 'not to sell out farmers'
Bengaluru (PTI): Demanding answers from PM Narendra Modi over the impact of the India-US interim trade deal, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Sunday said the country’s farmers are "not bargaining chips but the lifeline of the nation".
He urged the prime minister not to "compromise India’s interests, trade away farmers for political gains, or bow to foreign pressure."
The CM’s remarks came in support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, intensifying the opposition’s attack on the union government over the trade deal.
Siddaramaiah took to ‘X’ with a string of questions, claiming Indian farmers are being "betrayed".
"The concerns raised by Shri Rahul Gandhi about the impact of the India-US trade deal on our farmers, dairy sector, Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, and India’s long-term agricultural independence deserve a clear and honest response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the CM said.
He added that if the deal allows unchecked GM imports, weakens safeguards, or gradually opens more crops without protection, it would directly harm farmers across the country, including in Karnataka.
"PM Narendra Modi, do not sell India’s interests. Do not trade away our farmers for political compulsions. Do not surrender to foreign pressure. Our farmers are not bargaining chips; they are the lifeline of this nation," he wrote.
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K'taka minister Priyank Kharge accuses RSS of indulging in money laundering
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday accused the RSS of indulging in "money laundering", and also questioned its source of income.
He said that he wants the law and Constitution that is applicable to everyone in the country, should apply to RSS too.
"RSS did not hoist the national flag in their office for 52 years. They teach us about patriotism," Kharge said.
Addressing a gathering at an event here, he said, "It (RSS) has a network of more than 2,500 organisations, they are from America, England. They take money from them. I am telling -- that these people are into money laundering."
Questioning as to where the RSS is getting money from and how, he said, "they want us to be good citizens, pay income tax, but they want to remain free. How is it possible. We will have to question this."
Later speaking to reporters, while pointing out that RSS is an unregistered organisation, Kharge asked, whether "they are above law or Constitution."
"It is good that all organisations should come under the ambit of law and constitution, whether it is RSS or any other organisations. Are they above law and constitution. Mohan Bhagwat (RSS chief) says it (RSS) is a body of individuals. So is Bangalore Club, have they not registered? Are they not paying taxes?" he further asked.
Stating that his question is why the RSS was unregistered, he said, "Where is their Guru Dakshina (donation) coming from."
"Who is paying it? Why is it (RSS) not paying tax? When every rupee of others is being accounted for, why is there no accountability for their (RSS) money," he asked.
