Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the Narendra Modi government for allegedly providing little support to Indian startups, claiming that the government has only fostered a “startup of fakery” over the last nine years. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge asserted that the credit for the growth of India’s startup ecosystem belongs solely to the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity of the startups themselves, rather than the government’s policies or initiatives.

“In 9 years, the Modi Government has only built a ‘Startup’ of Fakery! Fact is Indian Startups have got NEGLIGIBLE support from the Modi Government,” Kharge wrote. The statement is part of his ongoing critique of the government’s handling of the economy and support for small businesses.

Kharge’s comments come amid growing debate over the role of government policies in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India. While the Modi administration has launched several initiatives, such as the Startup India program, critics argue that the measures have not been sufficient in addressing the challenges faced by startups, including access to funding, regulatory hurdles, and a competitive business environment.

The Congress leader’s remarks are likely to stir further political debate, with government supporters highlighting the success of Indian startups on the global stage, including unicorns and international expansions. However, Kharge’s accusations suggest that the government’s contributions to the sector may not be as impactful as claimed.

As India’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, the question of government support and its effectiveness remains a contentious issue in the country’s political and economic discourse.