Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic policies, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of pursuing what he described as “economic terrorism” for its own financial gains. He alleged that the government’s policies were weakening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and leaving young people struggling with unemployment.
Kharge made the remarks against the backdrop of a social media post by American billionaire Elon Musk concerning the licensing of his satellite internet company, Starlink, in India. The Congress chief alleged that the Modi government’s economic approach was aimed at concentrating control of the economy in the hands of businesspeople close to the ruling party, allowing the BJP to benefit financially.
Kharge Raises Concerns Over Market Monopolies
Kharge alleged that government policies had weakened competition and encouraged monopolies and duopolies across several sectors. According to him, this trend had benefited the BJP financially while undermining the foundations of economic liberalisation.
Citing the telecommunications sector, the Congress president claimed that India had 13 companies operating in the industry before 2014, but only three major private players remained. He also referred to domestic aviation, alleging that the number of major players had declined from seven before 2014 to just two.
Kharge further pointed to digital payments, cement and food-delivery applications, arguing that competition had been reduced across multiple industries.
“The Congress party is the mother of economic liberalism,” Kharge said, accusing the BJP of implementing “economic terrorism” for its own profits. He alleged that government policies had severely affected MSMEs and other small and medium-sized businesses, while young people continued to face the burden of unemployment.
The Congress leader questioned the government’s economic priorities, claiming that the weakening of market competition had restricted opportunities for small businesses and young people.
Elon Musk’s Starlink Post Triggers Political Debate
The controversy intensified after Musk posted on X on Thursday that Starlink had obtained licences in more than 165 countries and had complied with every Indian government law and requirement for the past five years.
Musk questioned why Starlink had still not received a licence to operate in India. Referring to industrialist Mukesh Ambani, he asked whether “Ambani is the real boss of India?”
Following Musk’s post, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi reposted it and welcomed the billionaire to India, adding that he would learn more after meeting another person. Musk responded by thanking Gandhi and describing the situation as “really concerning.”
The exchange brought renewed attention to questions surrounding competition, market access and the regulation of satellite internet services in India.
Government Defends Satellite Communication Licensing Rules
A day before Kharge’s remarks, the government had strongly responded to Musk’s allegation that certain “elite businesspeople” were preventing Starlink from entering the Indian market to maintain a monopolistic hold. Musk did not name any company in his post.
On Thursday, the Department of Telecommunications said that demonstrating compliance with security requirements was mandatory for every licensee seeking to provide satellite communication services in India.
The government has granted licences to three companies: Musk’s Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite unit Jio Satcom, and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb. However, none of them can begin commercial services until the required security assessments and spectrum-related approvals are completed.
The debate has highlighted competing claims over market competition, regulatory requirements and the role of large businesses in India’s economy. Kharge has alleged that the government’s policies favour major corporate interests, while the government has maintained that satellite communication operators must meet the prescribed security conditions before launching commercial services.