Tag: thecliffnews

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “show some courage” and retaliate against U.S. tariffs by imposing a 75% duty on American imports. Speaking at a press conference in Gujarat, Mr. Kejriwal said the Centre’s decision to exempt 11% duty on cotton imports from the U.S. until December 31, 2025, would severely harm Indian farmers, particularly in Gujarat, while benefitting American growers. “This will make U.S. farmers rich and Gujarat cultivators poor,” he alleged. India currently has an import duty exemption on raw cotton to support the textile industry and reduce input costs. The government has argued that the move would strengthen India’s export competitiveness and revive orders for small and medium enterprises, especially amid steep U.S. tariffs. Mr. Kejriwal, however, said the policy amounted to surrender. “America has imposed 50% tariff on exports from India. You impose a 75% tariff on imports coming from America, and the country is ready to bear it. Just impose it. Then see if Trump bows down or not,” he said, calling U.S. President Donald Trump a “coward” who had backed down against other countries that resisted his tariff moves. The former Delhi chief minister also demanded the reinstatement of the 11% import duty on U.S. cotton, fixing of Minimum Support Price (MSP) at ₹2,100 per 20 kg, and subsidies on fertilizers and seeds to support Indian farmers. He warned that the government’s policy would leave farmers unable to sell their produce when the new harvest arrives in October–November. “When cotton from the U.S. will arrive, farmers here will get less than ₹900 in the market. They have taken loans for seeds, fertilizers, and labour, and will be left with no option except to commit suicide,” he claimed. Mr. Kejriwal accused the Modi government of bowing to U.S. pressure. “Other countries responded strongly to Trump’s tariffs, and he had to bow down. But our government reduced duties instead. This is helplessness,” he said. Mr. Kejriwal had travelled to Gujarat to attend a ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ at Chotila in Surendranagar district, which was adjourned due to heavy rains.

Solapur, Maharashtra – The controversy over Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s public rebuke of young IPS officer Anjana Krishna V S has intensified, with growing public support for the officer and sharp criticism of political interference in policing. The incident occurred on August 31 outside Kurdu village in Madha tehsil, Solapur, where Anjana, a 2022-batch IPS officer serving as SDPO, acted to control a tense situation. Pawar allegedly scolded her for intervening, questioning her role in what he termed a “civil matter.” Opposition parties and civil society have slammed the move as an attempt to undermine lawful policing. Born in Kerala in 1990, Anjana secured 355th rank in the UPSC CSE 2022–23 and comes from a modest background. Her rise and recent stand have made her a symbol of integrity, particularly among youth. Former IB Special Director Yashovardhan Jha Azad condemned Pawar’s conduct as a “disgusting display of power,” praising Anjana’s firmness while warning of likely vindictive transfers. Veteran activist Prashant Bhushan and retired officer Maj. Digvijay Singh Rawat (Kirti Chakra) also rallied behind her, drawing parallels with other honest officers like Tukaram Mundhe, who faced repeated political backlash. While the Maha Vikas Aghadi opposition has targeted the ruling Maha Yuti government, the IPS Association’s silence has come under scrutiny. Activist Vijay Kumbhar noted attempts to paint Pawar as innocent despite video evidence of a tense situation. The episode has reignited debate on the balance of power between politicians and civil servants in Maharashtra. Observers warn that if young officers like Anjana Krishna are left unprotected, it could deter bureaucrats from acting fearlessly in public interest.