Kejriwal Slams Modi Govt Over Cotton Duty Waiver, Warns of Blow to Farmers

New Delhi, Aug 2025 : The Modi government, who repeatedly claims to stand with India’s farmers, has committed a huge betrayal against them, said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal at a press conference on Thursday. The Modi government has waived import duty on cotton imported from the United States. Initially, the duty was removed for the period from August 19 to September 30, but now it has been extended till December 31.

Kejriwal said this decision will make U.S. cotton 15–20% cheaper than Indian cotton. By the time Indian cotton arrives in the markets in October, the textile industry would have already procured cheaper American cotton. This will force Indian farmers to sell their produce at distress prices.

He alleged that Modi government has “completely surrendered before Trump,” calling it dangerous not only for farmers, industries, and jobs but also for the dignity of 1.4 billion Indians. “Why is Modi government bowing before Trump? What is his compulsion?” Kejriwal asked, demanding that the 11% import duty be immediately reinstated to save Indian farmers from ruin.

Kejriwal highlighted that while the U.S. imposes tariffs as high as 50% on Indian exports, Modi government has scrapped duties on U.S. imports instead of retaliating. He cited examples of the EU, China, and Canada, which imposed counter-tariffs against Trump and forced him to back down.

He accused Modi government of sacrificing the interests of Indian farmers and industry, and even suggested that rumors link Modi government actions to protecting Adani from legal troubles in the U.S.

Kejriwal also reminded that in Maharashtra alone, 767 poor farmers committed suicide between January and March this year, yet Modi government has “stabbed farmers in the back.”

AAP has announced a large rally in Chotila, Surendranagar district of Gujarat on September 7, calling upon all political parties and farmers’ organizations to unite against the government’s decision.

Kejriwal concluded: “If America can impose 50% tariffs on us, Modi government must do the same in response. If he cannot, then at the very least, he must save the cotton farmers of this country.”