Rahul Gandhi Slams Transport Rules, Alleges MSMEs Being “Deliberately Strangled”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that Transport Ministry regulations are severely impacting small-scale industries , particularly local bus and truck body-building workshops, claiming that MSMEs are being “deliberately strangled” under the current policy framework.

During a visit to a workshop in Jaipur , Gandhi shared a video on social media highlighting the work of artisans engaged in vehicle body construction. He said that while these workers “forge India’s future with their hands,” government regulations from Delhi are allegedly stifling their livelihoods .

Criticising flagship initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said they remain “mere slogans” as policies, according to him, favour large industrial houses over small entrepreneurs.

Gandhi warned that if such workshops shut down, it would result in job losses, erosion of traditional skills, and increased inflation , ultimately burdening common citizens.

In the video, he is also seen interacting with workers who raised concerns over high licensing costs, strict compliance norms, and delays in approvals . The workers alleged that new safety standards and regulations are making operations unsustainable.

The issue was previously discussed during a meeting between a delegation of Rajasthan body builders and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari , where assurances were reportedly given to address grievances. However, Gandhi claimed the concerns remain unresolved, with workers alleging continued policy bias towards large companies .