Opposition Targets PM Modi Over UPI Merchant Fee, Alleges US Pressure As 0.4 Per Cent MDR Takes Effect From October 15 | VIDEO
New Delhi, September 16, 2026: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded the rollback of the new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of giving in to pressure from the US. Other Opposition leaders joined the attack, claiming the move could eventually raise prices for consumers. The government has…
New Delhi, September 16, 2026: Opposition parties have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the introduction of a new 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments made over Rs 2,000, accusing the United States of exerting pressure. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed Modi had prostrated himself before US President Donald Trump, and demanded that he "roll back the UPI tax" immediately.
Opposition leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala and Saugata Roy, echoed similar sentiments, alleging the move was a concession to US card companies to compete with UPI. The government maintains that customers will not be charged the MDR, and that the additional cost will be borne by merchants.
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