SKM Launches Campaigns Against US Trade Deal, Demands State Autonomy

New Delhi: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) in the press conference yesterday has launched two nationwide campaigns to pressure state governments to oppose the India-US trade deal, call for the dismissal of Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and push for changes to the GST law to restore fiscal autonomy to states. The SKM will send delegations to meet with chief ministers and opposition leaders in all states, urging them to hold special Assembly sessions to pass resolutions on these issues.

The SKM opposes the India-US trade deal, describing it as anti-national, and demands that the Centre reject it. They also seek Goyal’s removal for allegedly betraying farmers’ interests. Additionally, the SKM is calling for the repeal of the four labor codes, the restoration of the rural employment guarantee law under MGNREGA, and amendments to the GST Act that would increase states’ share in central taxes.

Arguing that agriculture is a state subject under the Constitution, the SKM wants states to enact laws ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) for all crops, guaranteed procurement, and comprehensive loan waivers to address rural debt and farmer suicides. The SKM also criticises central policies that infringe upon states' rights, including the National Cooperation Policy 2025 and the proposed US trade deal. They claim that the number of revenue-surplus states has dropped, and that the 'Make in India' initiative has failed to meet its goals.

The SKM is calling for intensified protests against the corporatisation of agriculture and economic colonisation, demanding that chief ministers take their concerns seriously and pass resolutions urging the Centre to reconsider its policies.