Debate Sparks Over Free Trade Agreements in Indian Parliament

TDP parliamentarian Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu urged a discussion in the Lok Sabha about India's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He emphasized the need for legal status for Amravati, while BJD's Sasmit Patra highlighted farmer distress and law and order issues in Odisha ahead of the Budget session.

TDP parliamentarian Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu called for a discussion in the Lok Sabha regarding the various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that India is signing with countries and organizations. This came up during the all-party meeting preceding the Budget session of Parliament.

His demand aligned with the recent conclusion of FTA negotiations between India and the European Union. Additionally, Devarayalu insisted on granting 'legal status' to Amravati, similar to Hyderabad, suggesting that a bill might be necessary to legitimize Andhra Pradesh's new capital.

As the Budget session was set to commence with the president's address to both houses of Parliament, BJD's Sasmit Patra expressed his party's intention to draw attention to two foremost issues: the plight of Odisha's farmers and law and order concerns in the BJP-governed state.

(With inputs from agencies.)