A giant effigy of US President Donald Trump was paraded through Nagpur on Saturday amidst Marbat festival celebrations. Visuals shared online also showed the procession chanting slogans and raising placards as they wheeled the massive figure through the streets. The protest was launched in response to the 50% tariff imposed on Indian imports by the POTUS earlier this month.
Protest against Donald Trump
“Tariff lagakar humein jo daraye, Bharat ki takat usse rulaye (Those who try to intimidate us with tariffs, India’s strength will make them weep) read one placard.
“The tariffs imposed on our goods will only ruin their business,” predicted another.
“American uncle imposes restrictions on India, yet ends up taking Russian products itself,” fumed a third.
The Trump effigy was seen sporting a dark red suit with a white shirt and yellow tie as it towered over locals. It was also garlanded with marigold flowers — with several posters and messages hanging from its arms. The Trump statue (made of clay and hay) was also seen spinning in circles amidst the crowd after coming face to face with another effigy.
The Marbat festival is an annual event in Nagpur where locals design and take out a procession of effigies to highlight various contemporary social, political or economic issues. The unique festival dates back to the late1800s and began as a symbolic way to remove evil from society. It has evolved over the decades to incorporate social commentary and entertainment.
India faces 50% tariffs
US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff against India in early August as initial talks for a trade deal failed to materialise. This was followed by a 25% additional levy — to be implemented later this month — for continued purchase of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine war. India had pushed back vehemently against the “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable” decision and indicated plans to maintain its ties with Moscow.
“If you have a problem with India buying oil or refined products from Russia, don’t buy from us. Nobody forces you. Europe buys, America buys, so if you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” he said bluntly.
(With inputs from agencies)