Comedian Kunal Kamra takes aim at Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa, accusing the gig economy of exploiting delivery workers. Is quick commerce just a system built on exploitation? Find
Comedian Kunal Kamra has been making waves on social media once again, but this time, he’s not poking fun at Ola Electric or its CEO Bhavish Aggarwal. Instead, Kamra has turned his attention to Blinkit, the popular quick commerce platform, and its CEO, Albinder Dhindsa.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Kamra accused Blinkit and other companies in the gig economy of exploiting delivery workers. His fiery comments shed light on the darker side of the “convenience” we enjoy through fast delivery services.
Let’s break down what Kamra said and why it’s sparked a heated debate online.
It all started when Albinder Dhindsa posted a celebratory message about Blinkit’s success in 2024, claiming that the company had hit record numbers in terms of products delivered. Kamra, never one to shy away from calling out the system, responded with a pointed question.
“Can you also enlighten us with data on the average wages you paid your ‘Delivery Partners’ in 2024?” Kamra asked, challenging Dhindsa to address the wages Blinkit pays to its gig workers.
This question was the beginning of a much larger critique of the gig economy model, which Kamra believes is built on the backs of underpaid delivery personnel.
In follow-up posts, Kamra didn’t hold back. He expanded on his concerns, stating that companies like Blinkit are not as innovative as they claim. According to Kamra, these companies are nothing more than “landlords without owning any land.”
By this, he means that these platforms profit by owning the delivery systems and controlling the gig workers who actually perform the work. The delivery workers, he argues, are essentially stuck in a cycle of low pay and exploitation, with the promise of freedom being nothing more than a marketing tool.
“While we enjoy the convenience of quick commerce, I’d like my first tweet of 2025 to be about the dark side,” Kamra wrote. “Platform owners exploit gig workers, and they aren’t job creators. They are landlords without owning any land.”
Kamra’s criticism taps into a growing concern about the gig economy. Quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, which promise to deliver groceries and other items in under 10 minutes, rely heavily on gig workers (often called delivery partners). These workers, Kamra argues, face the pressure of tight deadlines and difficult working conditions while being paid wages that barely cover basic expenses.
At its core, Kamra’s argument is that these companies are exploiting workers by offering them “freedom”—the ability to choose their own hours—while simultaneously giving them wages that are far below what they should be. According to Kamra, these companies prioritize profits over the well-being of their workers, leaving delivery partners struggling to make ends meet.
Kamra’s posts have sparked a massive debate online. Some people agree with him, echoing his concerns about the exploitative nature of the gig economy. Others, however, defend companies like Blinkit, arguing that they are providing jobs for people who might otherwise struggle to find work.
One user pointed out, “They are providing opportunities to unskilled individuals who have no other means of earning money, but these opportunities are short-term and somehow fail to inspire them to work toward achieving their dreams.” This user acknowledges that while gig work may not be perfect, it’s still a viable option for many.
On the other hand, some supporters of the gig economy highlight the financial benefits of working with platforms like Blinkit. One user argued, “This is such a wrong take. This is a legit industry employing over lakhs of people. The wages offered are close to 20-30k a month, which is the same as a starting salary in IT.”
While the debate is ongoing, there’s no denying that gig work comes with its challenges. Companies like Blinkit offer a form of “freedom” to their delivery partners, allowing them to choose their hours and work as much or as little as they want. This flexibility can be an attractive option for many, especially those who need work on short notice or have other commitments.
However, Kamra’s main point is that this flexibility comes at a price. Many gig workers, especially in quick commerce, report feeling the pressure of constantly meeting deadlines, all while being paid wages that don’t reflect the intense nature of their work. Kamra’s argument is that the system is stacked against them.
For example, a typical Blinkit delivery partner might be expected to deliver items in under 10 minutes, often in crowded or traffic-heavy areas. The time pressure can be exhausting, and the lack of job security or benefits makes it even harder for workers to plan for the future.
As quick commerce continues to grow, it’s clear that there’s a lot of room for improvement in how companies treat their workers. While platforms like Blinkit may provide valuable services to consumers, Kamra’s critique highlights the need for more transparency and fair compensation for the workers who make these services possible.
Whether or not you agree with Kamra’s assessment, his posts have brought an important conversation to the forefront. The gig economy is here to stay, but it’s essential to consider whether it’s truly providing fair opportunities for everyone involved.
Kunal Kamra’s comments about Blinkit and the gig economy raise important questions about the ethical implications of quick commerce models. While these services may offer convenience to consumers, it’s essential to examine the cost of this convenience—especially when it comes to the workers who make it all happen.
As we continue to rely on platforms like Blinkit for fast deliveries, we must also ensure that the people delivering those products are treated fairly and paid what they deserve. Kamra’s call for change is not just a critique of Blinkit, but of the gig economy as a whole. The question remains: can we find a balance between convenience and fairness?
