New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at protecting small retailers, BJP Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal has called on Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to suspend the forthcoming festive sales events organized by major e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart. Khandelwal argues that these sales events, scheduled for the upcoming festival season, will disproportionately disadvantage domestic traders.
Khandelwal, who represents Chandni Chowk and serves as Secretary General Emeritus of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has formally requested Goyal to halt these sales. His plea comes in response to recent findings by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which revealed potential breaches of anti-trust laws by leading e-commerce platforms.
According to Khandelwal, the CCI’s report highlights serious concerns over anti-competitive practices among e-commerce giants. He stated, “The upcoming festival sales of Amazon and Flipkart will further harm domestic traders by perpetuating unfair practices.” The MP criticized these platforms for engaging in preferential treatment and forming exclusive partnerships with select sellers, which he claims has created an uneven playing field for small retailers.
ALSO READ: Amrit Anand Joins Zupee as Head of Communications
Khandelwal’s call for action also includes a demand for the immediate implementation of new e-commerce rules and policies. These measures, he argues, are essential for promoting and safeguarding the interests of small retailers across the country. He expressed frustration that instead of functioning as neutral marketplaces, Amazon and Flipkart have been accused of favoring certain sellers while sidelining the majority.
The BJP MP’s concerns reflect a growing apprehension among small business owners regarding the dominance of large e-commerce platforms. Khandelwal’s intervention underscores the ongoing debate over regulatory measures aimed at ensuring fair competition in the online retail sector.
As the festive season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responds to these pressing issues. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the future of e-commerce regulations and the competitive landscape for Indian retailers.
