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Statewide Movement Set to Launch National Campaign

Munish Sood
MANDI: On August 11, 2025, a significant gathering organized by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch took place, where participants expressed strong opposition to foreign online retail companies, advocating for the protection of local businesses and trade.

The event, held in Mandi, attracted attendees from various areas including Kotli, Sundernagar, Nerchowk, Gohar, Paddar, Panarsa Ratti, Rewalsar, Jogindernagar, and Drang.

Coordinated by the Swadeshi Research Institute Vimarsh, the meeting highlighted concerns regarding the impact of global e-commerce giants like Walmart, Flipkart, and Amazon on small shopkeepers and the local economy.

Anupama Singh, the state head of Vimarsh and a key figure in the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, is leading the state-level coordination efforts, successfully uniting trade representatives from across Himachal Pradesh.

Notable attendees included Jaswant Yadav, Poorn Kali, Sushma, Priyanka, Virendra Bhatt, and various councillors from Mandi, along with dignitaries such as Raj Pathania, Mitra Dev, and Deepti.

Rising Concerns Over Market Control

During the event, speakers voiced serious concerns regarding the long-term economic effects of foreign e-commerce entities. They claimed these companies lure customers with significant discounts, subsequently monopolizing local markets and raising prices without justification.

“This predatory pricing strategy is systematically undermining small businesses, diminishing local job opportunities, and harming the grassroots economy,” the speakers cautioned. They stressed that without prompt action, local traders could suffer irreversible damage.

Transitioning from Local Protest to National Campaign

In a pivotal announcement, the organizers revealed plans to escalate the protest into a state-level convention, leading to a nationwide campaign set to commence in September. This campaign will be implemented across all states, promoting the message: “Adopt Swadeshi, Save Our Market.”

Organizers highlighted that this movement transcends the interests of traders, encompassing farmers, consumers, and the broader community reliant on a robust local economy.

The ongoing debate surrounding foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail continues to be a contentious issue in India's economic policy discussions. While global e-commerce platforms argue they offer greater choice and competitive pricing, critics contend that their aggressive discounting tactics and supply chain control harm small businesses and foster monopolistic environments.

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, part of the broader swadeshi economic thought movement, has been actively campaigning for indigenous production, self-sufficiency, and the safeguarding of traditional markets.

Organizers confirmed that the forthcoming state convention will lay the groundwork for the national campaign in September, which will include district-level rallies, consumer awareness initiatives, and legal consultations aimed at advocating for stricter regulations on foreign e-commerce operations in India.

As the meeting concluded, attendees reaffirmed their dedication to the cause, chanting slogans in support of swadeshi products and pledging to bolster the narrative of prioritizing local trade over global interests.

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