Rahul Gandhi turned a brand new leaf on Saturday, meeting leaders from the world of e-commerce and assuring them that he was pro-business and wanted industries to grow. The Congress vice-president’s latest move came a day before the launch of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “digital dialogue” .
The Amethi MP met over a dozen e-entrepreneurs for an informal chat at his residence in New Delhi. A source present in the meeting told HT: “He (Gandhi) said ‘nowadays I am seen as someone who only talks about agriculture and farmer issues. But I am not against business. I am also in favour of big business’.”
Gandhi made it clear that he favoured a balance between industries and agriculture but would oppose “crony capitalism”. “I want high economic growth and industries but they should not come at the cost of livelihood of the farmers,” Gandhi reportedly said.
According to sources, e-commerce leaders, including heads of ventures like Bookmyshow and Snapdeal told Rahul Gandhi that the field has tremendous growth potential but the current government policies are not congenial to its advance.
Some pointed out how even lower ranking government officials harass them over minor issues, sources added. They also reportedly pointed out that the sector is fast becoming an employment-multiplier but faces patent-related issues which need the government’s attention.
{{/usCountry}}Some pointed out how even lower ranking government officials harass them over minor issues, sources added. They also reportedly pointed out that the sector is fast becoming an employment-multiplier but faces patent-related issues which need the government’s attention.
{{/usCountry}}Gandhi promised to voice their concern in “appropriate forums” and said he would hold such meetings regularly.
The meeting – viewed as yet another attempt by the Congress vice-president to shed his “anti-industry” tag – came amid the Modi government’s Digital India week celebrations. Last week, the Prime Minister had met around 150 social media enthusiasts who contribute regularly to discussions on key government initiatives.