\n<\/p>\n
Last Updated:<\/span>January 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/time><\/p>\nKant\u2019s comments followed Chadha\u2019s visit to a New Year\u2019s Eve protest by delivery riders demanding better pay and working conditions.<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\nThe former NITI Aayog chief\u2019s remarks came after AAP MP Raghav Chadha met delivery workers protesting working conditions in Delhi on New Year\u2019s Eve. (IMAGE: X\/@raghav_chadha)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe debate over India\u2019s gig and quick-commerce economy escalated sharply after Amitabh Kant accused Aam Aadmi Party and its MP Raghav Chadha of being a \u201cjob killer” amid protests by delivery workers in Delhi and other cities. <\/p>\nIn a series of posts on X, Kant defended platform-based work, arguing that India\u2019s gig economy is \u201cconsumer-led” and one of the country\u2019s biggest job-creation engines. He said gig jobs are projected to grow from 7.7 million to 23.5 million by 2030 and warned that politicising the sector would destroy livelihoods. <\/p>\n\u201cCalling this \u2018exploitation\u2019 by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual,” Kant wrote, directly tagging Chadha and the AAP. <\/p>\nHe added that on December 31 alone, Zomato and Blinkit delivered over 75 lakh orders, driven by consumer demand for speed and convenience. <\/p>\nKant also backed industry leaders, saying markets should be allowed to function while safety nets are strengthened, and accused critics of trying to sabotage innovation for political ends.<\/p>\n\n\nIndia\u2019s gig & quick-commerce economy is consumer-led. \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 Gig jobs are set to grow from 7.7M \u2192 23.5M by 2030 \u2014 among India\u2019s largest job-creation engines. Calling this \u201cexploitation” by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual.<\/p>\nOn Dec 31 alone, Zomato\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nChadha\u2019s comments followed his visit to Old Rajinder Nagar in Delhi, where delivery riders from platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit held a symbolic protest on New Year\u2019s Eve. Sharing photographs and posts from the gathering, the AAP MP said he spent the evening listening to workers and described their demands as legitimate. <\/p>\n\u201cThese platforms didn\u2019t succeed because of algorithms alone. They succeeded because of human sweat and labour,” Chadha said, adding that gig workers should be treated as human beings, not \u201cdisposable data points”. <\/p>\nHe argued that the gig economy should not become a \u201cguilt-free exploitation economy” and called for fair pay, humane working conditions and social security. <\/p>\n\n\nSpent New Year\u2019s Eve with Gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who held a symbolic strike to make their voices heard.Their demands for fair pay, humane working conditions, dignity at work and social security are legitimate and just.<\/p>\nThis protest was not about disruption, but\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ELpYX8nfY4<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nThe political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers\u2019 rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a \u201cchampagne socialist” and accused him of shedding \u201ccrocodile tears” over alleged exploitation. <\/p>\n\n\nVery well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The former NITI Aayog chief\u2019s remarks came after AAP MP Raghav Chadha met delivery workers protesting working conditions in Delhi on New Year\u2019s Eve. (IMAGE: X\/@raghav_chadha)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
The debate over India\u2019s gig and quick-commerce economy escalated sharply after Amitabh Kant accused Aam Aadmi Party and its MP Raghav Chadha of being a \u201cjob killer” amid protests by delivery workers in Delhi and other cities. <\/p>\n
In a series of posts on X, Kant defended platform-based work, arguing that India\u2019s gig economy is \u201cconsumer-led” and one of the country\u2019s biggest job-creation engines. He said gig jobs are projected to grow from 7.7 million to 23.5 million by 2030 and warned that politicising the sector would destroy livelihoods. <\/p>\n
\u201cCalling this \u2018exploitation\u2019 by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual,” Kant wrote, directly tagging Chadha and the AAP. <\/p>\n
He added that on December 31 alone, Zomato and Blinkit delivered over 75 lakh orders, driven by consumer demand for speed and convenience. <\/p>\n
Kant also backed industry leaders, saying markets should be allowed to function while safety nets are strengthened, and accused critics of trying to sabotage innovation for political ends.<\/p>\n
\nIndia\u2019s gig & quick-commerce economy is consumer-led. \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 Gig jobs are set to grow from 7.7M \u2192 23.5M by 2030 \u2014 among India\u2019s largest job-creation engines. Calling this \u201cexploitation” by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual.<\/p>\nOn Dec 31 alone, Zomato\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nChadha\u2019s comments followed his visit to Old Rajinder Nagar in Delhi, where delivery riders from platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit held a symbolic protest on New Year\u2019s Eve. Sharing photographs and posts from the gathering, the AAP MP said he spent the evening listening to workers and described their demands as legitimate. <\/p>\n\u201cThese platforms didn\u2019t succeed because of algorithms alone. They succeeded because of human sweat and labour,” Chadha said, adding that gig workers should be treated as human beings, not \u201cdisposable data points”. <\/p>\nHe argued that the gig economy should not become a \u201cguilt-free exploitation economy” and called for fair pay, humane working conditions and social security. <\/p>\n\n\nSpent New Year\u2019s Eve with Gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who held a symbolic strike to make their voices heard.Their demands for fair pay, humane working conditions, dignity at work and social security are legitimate and just.<\/p>\nThis protest was not about disruption, but\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ELpYX8nfY4<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nThe political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers\u2019 rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a \u201cchampagne socialist” and accused him of shedding \u201ccrocodile tears” over alleged exploitation. <\/p>\n\n\nVery well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
India\u2019s gig & quick-commerce economy is consumer-led. \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 Gig jobs are set to grow from 7.7M \u2192 23.5M by 2030 \u2014 among India\u2019s largest job-creation engines. Calling this \u201cexploitation” by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual.<\/p>\n
On Dec 31 alone, Zomato\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nChadha\u2019s comments followed his visit to Old Rajinder Nagar in Delhi, where delivery riders from platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit held a symbolic protest on New Year\u2019s Eve. Sharing photographs and posts from the gathering, the AAP MP said he spent the evening listening to workers and described their demands as legitimate. <\/p>\n\u201cThese platforms didn\u2019t succeed because of algorithms alone. They succeeded because of human sweat and labour,” Chadha said, adding that gig workers should be treated as human beings, not \u201cdisposable data points”. <\/p>\nHe argued that the gig economy should not become a \u201cguilt-free exploitation economy” and called for fair pay, humane working conditions and social security. <\/p>\n\n\nSpent New Year\u2019s Eve with Gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who held a symbolic strike to make their voices heard.Their demands for fair pay, humane working conditions, dignity at work and social security are legitimate and just.<\/p>\nThis protest was not about disruption, but\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ELpYX8nfY4<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nThe political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers\u2019 rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a \u201cchampagne socialist” and accused him of shedding \u201ccrocodile tears” over alleged exploitation. <\/p>\n\n\nVery well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Chadha\u2019s comments followed his visit to Old Rajinder Nagar in Delhi, where delivery riders from platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit held a symbolic protest on New Year\u2019s Eve. Sharing photographs and posts from the gathering, the AAP MP said he spent the evening listening to workers and described their demands as legitimate. <\/p>\n
\u201cThese platforms didn\u2019t succeed because of algorithms alone. They succeeded because of human sweat and labour,” Chadha said, adding that gig workers should be treated as human beings, not \u201cdisposable data points”. <\/p>\n
He argued that the gig economy should not become a \u201cguilt-free exploitation economy” and called for fair pay, humane working conditions and social security. <\/p>\n
\nSpent New Year\u2019s Eve with Gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who held a symbolic strike to make their voices heard.Their demands for fair pay, humane working conditions, dignity at work and social security are legitimate and just.<\/p>\nThis protest was not about disruption, but\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ELpYX8nfY4<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nThe political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers\u2019 rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a \u201cchampagne socialist” and accused him of shedding \u201ccrocodile tears” over alleged exploitation. <\/p>\n\n\nVery well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Spent New Year\u2019s Eve with Gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who held a symbolic strike to make their voices heard.Their demands for fair pay, humane working conditions, dignity at work and social security are legitimate and just.<\/p>\n
This protest was not about disruption, but\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ELpYX8nfY4<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nThe political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers\u2019 rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a \u201cchampagne socialist” and accused him of shedding \u201ccrocodile tears” over alleged exploitation. <\/p>\n\n\nVery well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2014 Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nThe political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers\u2019 rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a \u201cchampagne socialist” and accused him of shedding \u201ccrocodile tears” over alleged exploitation. <\/p>\n\n\nVery well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers\u2019 rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a \u201cchampagne socialist” and accused him of shedding \u201ccrocodile tears” over alleged exploitation. <\/p>\n
\nVery well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Very well written @deepigoyal<\/a> Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pgcTa0hwKy<\/a>\u2014 Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nZomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\nGoyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n\n\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Zomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. <\/p>\n
Goyal said Blinkit\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. <\/p>\n
\nQuick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Quick commerce\u2019s 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESN\u2019T lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3\/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isn\u2019t how the system operates.\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\nHe added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\nIn a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nJanuary 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill…’: Amitabh Kant Labels AAP ‘Job Killer’, Makes Big Prediction<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cOne more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. It\u2019s not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners don\u2019t even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer,” Goyal said in a post. <\/p>\n
He added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. <\/p>\n
In a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door,” Goyal said in a post earlier this week. <\/p>\n
January 03, 2026, 09:41 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n