AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal Ignites Call for US Soft Drink Boycott at LPU Amidst Escalating Tariff Tensions

In a powerful display of economic nationalism, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament, Ashok Kumar Mittal, has ignited a spirited call for the boycott of prominent US soft drink companies, including global giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Speaking passionately at Lovely Professional University (LPU), where he was inaugurating a university-level career counselling and guidance centre, MP Mittal urged both students and the wider public to actively shun these brands in retaliation against the United States' steep 200% tariff imposition on key Indian agricultural products.

The MP's provocative stance comes in the wake of significant trade tensions, as the US has unilaterally decided to levy exorbitant duties on valuable Indian exports such as basmati rice and fresh grapes.

Mittal unequivocally argued that such aggressive trade practices by a major global power necessitate a strong and unified response from India. "If the United States can impose a 200% tariff on our basmati rice and fresh grapes, directly impacting the livelihoods of our hardworking farmers, then we, as a nation, must reciprocate," he asserted, drawing a clear line in the sand.

Mittal’s address highlighted the direct economic ramifications of these tariffs on India's agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy.

He stressed that these actions by the US are not merely economic policies but have profound social consequences for countless Indian families. By targeting well-known American brands, he believes India can send an unambiguous message that its economic interests and the welfare of its farmers will not be compromised.

The call to action specifically targets the ubiquitous presence of US soft drinks in India, framing a boycott as a practical and impactful way for citizens to support domestic industries and register their dissent against unfair trade practices.

Mittal encouraged consumers to opt for Indian-made alternatives, thereby channelling economic activity back into the national economy and bolstering local businesses.

His speech at LPU, a prominent educational institution, served as a potent platform to galvanise youth and instill a sense of collective responsibility towards national economic sovereignty.

The initiative by MP Ashok Kumar Mittal underscores a growing sentiment within India to protect its economic interests on the global stage, challenging what it perceives as protectionist measures by other nations and advocating for a fair and equitable international trade environment.