Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of promoting a feudal mindset in the country’s economic structure. He alleged that the BJP-led government is empowering a small group of large corporate monopolies while placing undue pressure on small traders, shopkeepers, and micro-entrepreneurs across India.
Speaking during a party interaction, Rahul Gandhi said that small traders and local business owners have historically played a crucial role in sustaining India’s economy. However, he claimed that recent policy decisions have weakened their position, making it increasingly difficult for them to survive in a market dominated by large corporations. According to him, this concentration of economic power goes against the principles of fair competition and economic democracy.
Rahul Gandhi argued that policies framed in recent years have systematically favoured a handful of big companies, allowing them to expand rapidly while small and medium enterprises struggle with rising costs, regulatory challenges, and reduced market access. He stated that this trend reflects a feudal mindset, where economic power remains concentrated in the hands of a few, rather than being distributed across society.
The Congress leader further said that small traders are not just economic contributors but also social stakeholders who provide employment at the local level. Weakening them, he warned, could lead to job losses, reduced consumer spending, and greater economic inequality. He also linked the issue to broader concerns about unemployment and declining purchasing power among ordinary citizens.
Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the Congress party believes in an inclusive economic model that supports small traders, farmers, and workers. He said that if given the opportunity, the party would work towards policies that ensure equal opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and prevent excessive concentration of wealth. According to him, a healthy economy requires a balance where both large industries and small enterprises can coexist and grow.
His comments come at a time when economic inequality and corporate concentration are being widely debated in political and policy circles. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of current economic policies on small businesses, especially in the aftermath of global economic disruptions and domestic challenges.
The BJP has, in the past, defended its economic policies by stating that reforms are necessary for long-term growth and global competitiveness. However, Rahul Gandhi maintained that growth should not come at the cost of marginalising small traders, who form a significant part of India’s economic and social fabric.
As political discourse intensifies ahead of upcoming elections, such statements are expected to shape debates around economic justice, employment, and the role of small businesses in India’s growth story.
