BJP MP slams Zepto CEO's reply to Piyus Goyal's criticism of Indian start ups

Khandelwal, who also serves as the secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), said Goyal had raised a valid point regarding the priorities of Indian startups.

He accused Palicha of missing the crux of Goyal’s message by reacting defensively.

‘Burning foreign capital to dismantle kiranas is not innovation’

“Claiming to create jobs and pay taxes while burning foreign capital to dismantle India's small neighborhood kirana stores is not innovation. This approach is not aligned with India's long-term strategic interests,” Khandelwal said, questioning the sustainability and intent of some modern startup models.

Goyal calls for boldness and higher aspirations

At the ‘Startup Mahakumbh’ on Thursday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had questioned the broader vision behind some Indian startups, particularly in the food delivery sector.

“Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls? Is that the destiny of India?” Goyal asked, drawing a contrast between gig economy jobs and high-tech innovations. “

This is not a startup, this is entrepreneurship. What the other side is doing — robotics, machine learning, 3D manufacturing and next-generation factories.”

While anticipating some backlash, Goyal stood by his comments. “I have no objections. We have to be willing to learn, evolve... aspire for bigger and better, we have to be bolder and we should not shy of competition,” he added.