Rahul Gandhi In Kirana Store

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed concern about big companies creating monopolies that threaten small businesses. 

He emphasized that small shops, particularly kirana stores, are vital for the economy, with 1.3 crore such shops supporting 15 to 20 crore families. Gandhi shared his experience visiting a kirana store in Delhi’s Bhogal, where he spoke to shopkeepers and workers facing pressure from large, quick-commerce companies. These businesses, he said, are pushing small shops out of the market. 

Additionally, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has made their situation worse by increasing their tax burden. Gandhi highlighted that these small businesses provide many jobs and are crucial for the country’s economy. He stressed the need to strengthen them, as they are the backbone of India's economic stability.