In a strong pitch for the support of India's vast trading community, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal declared that no nation can achieve true progress unless its small shopkeepers and traders are protected and provided ease of doing business. He made these remarks on Thursday while addressing the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Punjab State Traders Commission in Mohali.
Punjab Traders Commission: A New Promise for Shopkeepers
Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, outlined the core mission of the commission. He stated that this body is designed to upgrade local markets and resolve the long-pending minor issues that plague small shopkeepers on a daily basis. The former Delhi Chief Minister emphasized that the commission's fundamental purpose is to reform the tax system, making it simpler, more transparent, and ultimately friendly towards traders.
Launching a scathing critique of the historical treatment of traders, Kejriwal said, "Till now, in our country, traders and businessmen have been viewed with a very negative mindset. No matter which government or which party ruled, everyone treated traders as thieves." He connected personally with the audience, sharing, "I come from a trading family. I understand the pain and suffering of a trader." He recounted childhood memories of managing his uncle's grocery shop at a bus stand during summer vacations to underline his empathy.
Attack on GST and Political Exploitation
The AAP leader escalated his criticism by targeting the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, which he described as a form of "tax terrorism." He expressed a political ambition, stating, "I pray that one day our government is formed at the Centre and we free you from GST."
Kejriwal also accused politicians across the spectrum of exploiting the trader community. He claimed that traders have consistently been victims of politicians who only remember them during election campaigns to seek votes and then, after assuming power, to extort money until the next election cycle.
Focus on Small Investments Over Big Promises
Kejriwal pointed out a significant gap in governance focus. He noted that while governments constantly talk about attracting large investments, no one pays attention to the small shopkeeper running a grocery store, a clothing shop, or a tile shop in a local market. He argued that the backbone of the Indian economy is formed by these small entrepreneurs, whose welfare is crucial for national development.
Turning his attention to Punjab's political rivals, Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on the previous regimes of the Akali Dal and the Congress. He asserted that after their terms, neither party would dare to face the public and seek honest feedback. He vividly claimed that after four years of their rule, any attempt to give a microphone to the public in a gathering would result in such abuse that the microphone "would not have returned," especially during the Akali Dal government.
The event marks AAP's concerted effort to consolidate its support among the influential trading community in Punjab, positioning itself as the sole protector of their interests against what it frames as exploitative systems and rival political parties.
