Centre’s foreign policy fails on US tariffs, says Sulata Dev, friendship does not strengthen relations

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sulata Dev raised several questions about the central government on the US tariffs, Rahul Gandhi’s comments on E20 petrol, women’s reservation, Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme and the FCRA Amendment Bill. She also expressed serious concerns about India’s foreign policy on the US tariff issue and said that personal relations or meetings between leaders alone do not guarantee a strong relationship with a country.

Sulata Dev questioned the central government’s foreign policy regarding US tariffs, saying the current situation is a matter of concern for India. Referring to the meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, she said that simply exchanging warm greetings and hugs is not enough.

He said that relations with any country should be determined based on the benefits India derives from it and the extent to which that country stands with India in difficult times. The US has repeatedly called for tariffs on India. India welcomes American investment and goods into its market, but when Indian goods enter the US market, higher tariffs are imposed on them. He described this as detrimental to the interests of Indian farmers and small businesses.

He said that India should decide how to deal with the United States based on its foreign policy. If the United States imposes high tariffs on Indian products, India should consider taking retaliatory measures to protect its interests. Referring to oil imports and international developments, he said that India should maintain the ability to make independent decisions in its foreign policy and should not be pressured by any other country.

Sulata Dev, while agreeing with Rahul Gandhi’s stance on E20 petrol, questioned the central government’s policy. She said that vehicles belong to individuals, money belongs to individuals, and petrol is also purchased with their own money. Therefore, the government should ensure that the fuel quality and vehicle technology are appropriate for its use. She argued that if ethanol blending in petrol is being increased, vehicle engines and technology should also be developed accordingly. Public concerns about the impact of E20 fuel on older vehicles should not be ignored.

Sulata Dev stressed the need for Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to provide a clear answer on this issue. She questioned why Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was responding so strongly to E20 petrol, when the issue directly concerns the Petroleum Ministry. She stated that middle-class and lower-middle-class individuals find it difficult to purchase vehicles. For many, the vehicle’s lifespan is already well advanced by the time the EMI is paid. Therefore, any changes in fuel and vehicle technology could directly impact the public. Accusing the government of adulteration in many areas, she said that the government should prioritize the safety of the people and their belongings.

Regarding women’s reservation, the BJD MP asked the central government why the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, passed by Parliament, was not implemented immediately. He noted that the Women’s Reservation Bill was discussed late into the night during the first session of the new Parliament building and received widespread support in the Rajya Sabha. He questioned why, if the Women’s Reservation Act had been passed, women were not given tickets based on the 33 percent reservation in the 2024 elections. The central government and BJP leaders had promoted the bill’s passage as a major achievement at the time. Therefore, it is natural to raise questions about the new provisions related to women’s reservation. Specifically raising the issue of delimitation, he said that if women’s reservation is linked to delimitation and impacts the existing seats of regional parties or states, the BJD will oppose it. Citing the example of Odisha, he said that as a regional party, they have observed that delimitation can impact a state’s representation and seat count.

Sulata Dev said that if women are to be granted political representation, there should be no strings attached. She argued that women should be given representation on an unbiased basis, and that women’s reservations should avoid being linked to other political provisions.

Speaking about the “Schools’ Echo” program and student movements, Sulata Dev mentioned the student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. She said that during the student protests, a large number of ordinary people also came out in support of the students. These people included disabled individuals who, understanding the struggles of their own education and the difficulties of the students, supported the movement. She added that many parents also came out in support of the students. During the protests, some people provided water, others arranged for food and medicine, while many others volunteered to support the students. The issue of the student movement has now become a widespread social issue.

Responding to a question about the FCRA bill, Sulata Dev said that she doesn’t yet have complete information about the bill, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to offer a final opinion without reviewing it. She added that until the bill’s provisions and clauses are revealed, she can’t comment in detail. She added, “I believe a large number of NGOs receive foreign funding under the FCRA, and many of these organizations also do good work for society. It will be important to see what changes are proposed in the new bill to the rules governing NGOs and foreign funding. A clear stance on this matter will be determined only after reviewing the bill’s provisions.”

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