Kejriwal Explodes on Modi: Calls U.S. Cotton Duty Waiver a ‘Betrayal’ That Will Destroy Indian Farmers

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Centre has taken decisions “behind the backs” of Indian farmers that will directly harm their livelihood.

Kejriwal said the Modi government has removed the 11% import duty on American cotton under U.S. pressure, a move he termed as a “huge betrayal.”

“PM Modi has taken some decisions behind our backs which are a huge betrayal of the farmers of the entire country. Recently, under the pressure of Trump and America, it has been decided that the cotton that comes to India from America, till now, there was an 11% duty on it… In the last few days, the Modi government has decided that the 11% duty that was imposed on the cotton coming from America has been removed,” Kejriwal alleged.

According to him, the duty waiver will apply from August 19 to September 30, covering 40 days. During this period, no import duty will be charged on U.S. cotton entering Indian markets.

Kejriwal warned that the move would severely undercut Indian farmers. “Now, the cotton that will come or has started coming from America, is roughly cheaper in India than the cotton of Indian farmers by an average of Rs 15–20 per kg,” he said.