Rahul Gandhi Calls for “New Deal” for Indian Business, Warns Against Monopoly Control
New Delhi, December 5, 2025 | Prime Headlines:
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a detailed opinion piece calling for a “new deal” for Indian businesses, arguing that the country is moving toward a system controlled by a few monopoly groups rather than fair competition.
In the article, Gandhi compares today’s situation with the British-era East India Company, saying India then lost its freedom not through war, but through an economic monopoly that controlled trade, ports, military and political power.
He claims a similar model is emerging today — where a few large corporations allegedly dominate markets, policymaking and institutions.
“Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Live in Fear”
Gandhi says hundreds of young and innovative Indian entrepreneurs are afraid to speak openly because they fear:
Government agencies
Loss of capital
Market pushback
Corporate retaliation
He writes that business success should be decided by talent, not proximity to power, adding:
> “Market forces do not determine success today. Power relationships do.”
Contrasting Two Models
Gandhi says India currently has two types of businesses:
1. “Match-fixing monopolies” — few companies controlling whole sectors.
2. “Play-fair businesses” — small and medium companies trying to grow without political influence.
He highlights entrepreneurs like Peyush Bansal (Lenskart) and founders of Zomato, Ola, Nykaa and others as examples of businesses built without political favor.
Call for Fair Play and Shared Prosperity
Gandhi argues that India must choose economic fairness over fear, supporting startups, small industries, and innovation. He says development must uplift farmers, workers, and small traders — not just big corporations.
He concludes that a modern, fair and progressive business environment is key to India’s future:
> “The idea of free Indian business is an idea whose time has come.”
