Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the ruling BJP, accusing the government of running a “monopoly model” that has caused job losses, crippled micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and deprived many of opportunities.
Gandhi attributed the rising unemployment to the Modi government, asserting that “India deserves better.”
During a discussion with business owners and professionals in Jammu, Gandhi said, “Modi ji’s monopoly model has taken away jobs, devastated MSMEs, and deprived people of opportunities. India deserves better.”
Explaining the causes of unemployment, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha noted that while India possesses a vast pool of skills, large corporations’ attacks on smaller businesses are worsening the job market. He further stated that demonetisation, import duties, and GST were designed to economically “hurt” people.
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Rahul Gandhi urged the central government to simplify GST and enhance banking access for small businesses to boost employment and rejuvenate the job market.
“India has a vast skill set, and it’s not just about the government—it’s about the people. The primary reason for unemployment, in my opinion, is the systematic attack on the fundamental employment structure, which includes both smaller and bigger businesses, by 5-10 major monopolies,” he said.
“These are not production monopolies. For instance, countries like Japan also have large monopolists, but their monopolists produce goods. In contrast, our monopolists are primarily traders, not producers, and they wield significant control over the political system, orchestrating attacks on businesses. GST, demonetisation, and import duties were all designed to harm small businesses,” he added.
On X, Gandhi posted, “The frustration in the eyes of a young startup owner from J&K reflects the struggles faced by many entrepreneurs and small-business owners in India. ‘Modi ji’s monopoly model’ has taken away jobs, devastated MSMEs, and deprived people of opportunities.”
