Sat Apr 05 13:24:13 UTC 2025: ## BJP MP Criticizes Zepto CEO’s Response to Goyal’s Startup Remarks

**New Delhi, April 6, 2025** – BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has criticized Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha’s rebuttal of Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s comments on Indian startups, calling it “misplaced and illogical.” Khandelwal, also Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), argued that Goyal’s concerns regarding the focus of Indian startups were valid. He stated that Palicha’s defensive response missed the core message.

Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, speaking at the recently concluded ‘Startup Mahakumbh’ event, questioned the model of food delivery startups, suggesting they were creating low-skilled jobs rather than fostering true innovation. He contrasted this with China’s focus on advanced technologies like robotics and AI. Goyal’s comments sparked a debate, with some CEOs disagreeing and others supporting his call for a shift towards more foundational and future-oriented technologies.

Palicha defended Zepto, highlighting its job creation (1.5 lakh jobs), tax contributions (over ₹1,000 crore annually), and foreign direct investment (over $1 billion). However, Khandelwal dismissed this, asserting that simply creating jobs and attracting foreign investment while potentially harming traditional businesses isn’t true innovation. He emphasized the need for startups to contribute to India’s technological self-reliance and global leadership, rather than focusing solely on short-term profits. “Innovation must serve the nation, not just convenience,” Khandelwal stated.

The ‘Startup Mahakumbh’, a large-scale event focusing on India’s startup ecosystem’s future, concluded today. The event, organized by various industry stakeholders and government bodies, aimed to shape a self-reliant and developed India by 2047.

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