The RSS-affiliated weekly Panchjanya has labelled e-commerce giant Amazon "East India Company 2.0," alleging that the company has paid crores of rupees in bribery in exchange for
favourable government policies.
Panchjanya's latest issue which will be out on October 3, features a cover story that is highly critical of Amazon.
Panchjanya had slammed Infosys in an article less than a month ago, accusing the firm of an "anti-national conspiracy" over glitches in the new tax return filing system.
Hitesh Shankar, the magazine's editor, shared a photo of the new cover story, which shows Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos with the headline "#Amazon: East India Company 2.0."
Referring to allegations of Amazon's legal representatives bribing Indian officials, the RSS rooted Panchjanya asks, "What did it do wrong it needed to bribe... Why do people consider
this company a threat to indigenous entrepreneurship, economic freedom and culture?"
The US-based firm has also started an internal investigation into the allegations which emerged when a whistleblower raised concerns about suspected payments to government officials.
Also Read: Is Humanity doomed? Scientist says we are in middle of “Mass Extinction Event”
"It is time to think where all of it is going," the government said, referring to the more than Rs 8,500 crore paid by Amazon in legal fees, which is at the heart of the bribery allegations.
"Amazon has been spending more than ₹ 8,500 crore in legal fees. It's time to think where all it is going. The whole system seems to work on bribes and that is not the best of business practices," said government officials slamming Amazon. The officials also urged to prosecute those who broke the law.
Reportedly, Amazon has initiated an investigation into some of its legal representatives after claims of bribing Indian government officials were raised by a leak. According to reports, the company's senior corporate counsel has been put on leave.
However, it is uncertain when and where the alleged bribery occurred.
"Zero tolerance for corruption" has been emphasised by both parties.
An article in Panchjanya earlier this month attacked Infosys, which is widely regarded as one of India's most important corporate and information technology enterprises in the global business community.
Hitesh Shankar, the magazine's editor, defended the piece, saying that if Infosys had objections, it should "present its side by advocating for a more complete investigation."
Meanwhile, RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar tweeted in response to the article and said, "Panchjanya is not a mouthpiece of the RSS, and the said article or the views expressed in it should not be linked with the RSS."
The report and claims concerning Infosys were called "not right" by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.