New Delhi, 24 December (H.S.): Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi engaged with representatives of the Vaishya community on Wednesday, attentively listening to the pressing concerns afflicting the business sector in the country.A video of this dialogue was released today on Rahul Gandhi's X handle.

The meeting included entrepreneurs from diverse sectors such as footwear manufacturing, agricultural products, industrial electricals, paper and stationery, travel, stone cutting, chemicals, and hardware.

Participants expressed deep apprehension over prevailing economic policies, noting direct pressure on small traders and MSMEs, with the production-based economy facing a severe crisis. They lamented that the GST regime, rather than being reformed, has morphed into a tool for harassment; higher taxes on raw materials juxtaposed against lower levies on finished goods leave small producers in financial distress.

Concerns also extended to escalating inflation, diminishing employment opportunities, and growing reliance on imports. Rahul Gandhi, absorbing these insights, reiterated his prior warnings that a monopoly-driven governance model would eradicate small traders and entrepreneurs. He derisively labeled GST as the Gabbar Singh Tax.

Representatives from the Agarwal community underscored that this interaction advances the egalitarian economic philosophy of Maharaja Agrasen. They highlighted their pivotal role in production and job creation, yet lamented facing neglect and exploitation under current policies.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar