AAP alleges US-India deal a conspiracy against farmers, challenges BJP to make agreement public
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 12, 2026: Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government, alleging that it has hatched a “big conspiracy” to weaken Punjab’s farmers through a so-called US-India trade deal.
Addressing a press conference at the party office, Cheema claimed that the agreement is aimed at allowing cheap American agricultural products such as milk powder, cheese and grains into the Indian market, which would severely impact farmers in Punjab and across the country. “Where will Punjab’s farmers go? Where will the country’s farmers go?” he asked.
Cheema said Punjab’s farmers have been feeding the nation for decades and have made a significant contribution to India’s food buffer stock through wheat and paddy procurement. Targeting the Centre, he alleged that the same farmers who led India’s food revolution are now being undermined through economic and political decisions.
Referring to a social media post by US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Cheema argued that the deal is intended to benefit American farmers. He claimed the US leadership openly celebrated the agreement as a step to boost exports to India and strengthen the US economy, asserting that this raises serious concerns about its impact on Indian agriculture.
The Finance Minister also questioned Punjab BJP leaders, including state president Sunil Jakhar, asking them to make the details of the agreement public. He demanded that all related documents be disclosed to farmers and citizens to ensure transparency.
Highlighting tariff concerns, Cheema alleged that import duties on certain US products have been significantly reduced, while Indian exports previously faced higher tariffs in the US market. He claimed this imbalance would harm Indian farmers and benefit foreign producers.
Cheema further accused the BJP of being anti-farmer and challenged party leaders, both at the state and national levels, to an open debate on the issue. He warned that the people of Punjab would not tolerate any move that harms the interests of farmers and said AAP would take the issue to every village in the state.