Kolkata, 7 August (H.S.):
Trinamool Congress MP and Leader of the Party in the Lok Sabha, Abhishek Banerjee, launched a scathing attack on the Central government over the United States’ decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. Speaking to the media at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport before leaving for Delhi, Banerjee termed the development a “diplomatic failure” and warned of its serious repercussions on the Indian economy and employment.
I believe this is a complete diplomatic failure, and India must respond firmly,” said Banerjee. “The 50 percent tariff imposed by the US will severely impact our exports—especially in key sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. It will hit jobs and weaken the Indian economy.”
He also strongly criticized former US President Donald Trump’s past comment describing the Indian economy as “dead.” Responding sharply, Banerjee said, “That statement is completely false. An economy driven by the love and support of 1.4 billion Indians cannot be written off. Yes, I will say that over the past 10 years, it has been pushed into the ICU.”
Taking aim at the Modi government without naming the Prime Minister directly, Banerjee questioned, “If the Centre claims to have a ‘56-inch chest,’ why then is India being pressured by countries like the US and China? Those who posed for pictures with Trump and campaigned alongside him should now answer for this tariff decision. This is a diplomatic failure, and the Central government must be held accountable.”
Referring to the 2019 “Howdy Modi” event in Texas and Trump’s 2020 visit to India, Banerjee said, “The one who invited Trump and campaigned for him is responsible for the situation we are facing today. The BJP and the Central government owe the nation an explanation—this is not Trinamool Congress’ failure.”
Banerjee also revealed that he had recently visited five countries as part of an all-party parliamentary delegation, and noted the lack of strong international positioning against Pakistan at platforms like ASEAN. “If the government truly aspires to become a ‘Vishwaguru’ (global leader), it must seriously reconsider its foreign policy,” he said.
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Questions Government on PoK
Banerjee further questioned the Centre's stand on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “If the Home Minister says in Parliament that PoK is a part of India, then why is there a delay in reclaiming it? The people of this country stand with you, even opposition parties are ready to cooperate—so what’s stopping the government?” he asked.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh