Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Chouhan Defends India-US Trade Deal During Punjab BJP Speech
Shivraj Singh Chouhan spoke at a large religious and political gathering in Punjab.
He discussed a possible trade deal between India and the United States.
He said India would not sign a deal that hurts farmers.
He also said there is no final deal yet.
Chouhan criticized Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party government for its handling of farmers and government funds.
He also raised concerns about crime, drugs and women’s safety.
He promised support for women’s livelihood programs and better homes for families living in temporary houses.
The BJP used the speech to ask Punjab voters to give it a chance in the next state election.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India would not accept a trade agreement harming Indian farmers.
He said no final India-US trade agreement currently exists and promised farmer protections if one is reached.
Chouhan accused Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party government of failing farmers and misusing central funds.
He criticized the state government over law and order, women’s safety, gangsterism and drugs.
The BJP used the Rakhar Punia gathering to seek support ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
- Who
- Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party government.
- What
- Chouhan defended the Centre’s position on a proposed India-US trade agreement and criticized the Punjab government’s record.
- When
- During the Rakhar Punia fair, ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
- Where
- At Baba Bakala Sahib in Punjab, India.
- Why
- The BJP is seeking to strengthen its connection with Punjab’s farming community and present itself as an alternative to the AAP and Congress.
BJP’s position
Punjab government’s reported position
India-US trade agreement
BJP’s position
Chouhan said India would protect farmers and would not accept a trade agreement that harmed them.
Punjab government’s reported position
No response from the Aam Aadmi Party government on the proposed agreement was reported.
Farmers and central funds
BJP’s position
Chouhan accused the Bhagwant Mann government of failing to implement crop insurance and misusing funds, including MGNREGA money.
Punjab government’s reported position
The article does not provide the Punjab government’s response to these allegations.
Punjab governance
BJP’s position
Chouhan criticized the state government over law and order, women’s safety, gangsterism and drugs.
Punjab government’s reported position
The article does not include a response from the Punjab government on these criticisms.
- Trade agreement status
- Chouhan said there was no final India-US trade agreement at present.
- Farmer protection
- He said India would not sign an agreement that harmed Indian farmers.
- Crop insurance
- Chouhan said he had written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about implementing a crop insurance scheme in Punjab.
- Women’s program
- He cited the Centre’s Lakhpati Didi initiative and said Punjab’s women would be included.
- Housing promise
- Chouhan said families living in kutcha houses would receive permanent homes.
- Political target
- The BJP is aiming to form the next government in Punjab.
- Possible alliance
- Chouhan said all possibilities regarding an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal would be considered.