AAP MLAs Gopal Italia and Chattar Vasava reached the Gujarat Assembly to participate in the Budget session, raising serious concerns over the recently signed trade deal between India and the United States. Ahead of the session, MLA Gopal Italia sharply criticized the BJP government, claiming that the deal favors the U.S. at the expense of Indian farmers, livestock owners, and small to medium businesses, particularly in Gujarat.
વિધાનસભા સત્ર શરૂ થાય એ પહેલાં AAP ધારાસભ્ય @Gopal_Italia એ ટ્રેડ ડીલ મુદ્દે ભાજપ સરકાર પર કર્યા આકરા પ્રહાર.
અમેરિકાના દબાણમાં આવીને ભારત સરકારે ટ્રેડ ડીલ કરી. અમેરિકાને ફાયદો થાય અને ગુજરાત સહિત પૂરા ભારતના ખેડૂતો, પશુપાલકો અને નાના ઉદ્યોગોને નુકસાન થાય એવી એક તરફી ટ્રેડ ડીલ… pic.twitter.com/0WDj5yDfMC
— AAP Gujarat (@AAPGujarat) February 16, 2026
Speaking to the media, Gopal Italia said that under the trade agreement, certain Indian exports to the U.S. will face tariffs of up to 18%, while India has offered zero tariffs on American agricultural and other products. He highlighted that U.S. farmers receive heavy subsidies, making their products more competitive in global markets. Italia warned that if agricultural commodities like milk, oilseeds, cotton, and soybeans are imported into India without tariffs, local farmers will struggle to compete, further weakening Gujarat’s agricultural economy. “Farming is already unprofitable, and yet farmers continue to work out of necessity. Cheap imports will further erode the livelihoods of farmers and livestock owners in Gujarat,” he added.
Also read : AAP Gujarat Defends Raju Karpara, Criticizes BJP Over Political Pressure
Gopal Italia Criticizes State Administration Despite Raj Bhavan Renaming
Gopal Italia stated that the Aam Aadmi Party has firmly opposed the trade deal and demanded that it be revoked to protect the interests of Gujarat’s farmers, dairy producers, and livestock owners. He also criticized the state administration, noting that despite the renaming of the Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan, the mindset remains unchanged. Italia pointed out that the party, as a national entity, has sought meetings with the Governor on multiple occasions over various issues, but has never been granted an audience, calling it “regrettable.”
He urged the Gujarat government to introduce a resolution in the Assembly to annul the trade deal and take a strong stand before the central government to safeguard the interests of farmers and livestock owners.