Creating industrial hubs, implementing single GST rate imperative for shielding MSMEs, says Rahul Gandhi

Creating industrial hubs and implementing a single GST rate are imperative measures to shield these MSMEs, top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Sunday as he accused the Narendra Modi government of favouring larger corporations to the detriment of small and medium businesses.

Sharing a video of his recent visit to chocolate-making factory 'Moddys Chocolates' in Ooty, he said the celebrated brand  is grappling with the burden of the "same adversary -- the Gabbar Singh Tax" (GST) like countless other small and medium businesses across India.

Rahul had recently visited Moddys Chocolates earlier this month on his way to Wayanad, his Lok Sabha seat, after his Parliament membership was restored.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Nilgiris lies a globally renowned Indian industry -- the chocolate-makers of Ooty and it was a "delightful experience", he said.

"The entrepreneurial spirit of the couple behind this small business, Muralidhar Rao and Swati, is inspiring. Equally remarkable is the all-women team which works alongside them. This dedicated team of 70 women crafts some of the most exquisite couverture chocolates I've ever tasted," he said.

However, he said like countless other small and medium businesses across India, Moddys is grappling with the burden of the same adversary - the Gabbar Singh Tax. 

"In a landscape where the government appears to favour larger corporations to the detriment of the MSME sector, it is the pure grit of hard-working Indians like the women I met here that sustains India's growth," he said.

Rahul said, "creating industrial hubs and implementing a single GST rate stand as imperative measures to shield these MSMEs, which collectively possess the power to drive India's growth engine. Women-led teams like this deserve all the support we can give. Muralidhar and Swati's children deserve an India where their future thrives."

In the video, Rahul is also seen trying his hand at chocolate-making and interacting with the all-women staff at the factory.

Sharing the video, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said, "taking forward the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi recently visited a chocolate factory in Ooty, which is run by women. He interacted with them, listened to their experiences, appreciated their hard work and understood their problems."

"People associated with small as well as small and medium industries need to be heard in a similar manner. They need support," he added.