New Delhi, 22 September (IANS) Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday greeted the nation on the occasion of Navratri, while raising the voice of strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s GST 2.0 rollout, the government’s most important tax reform since the introduction of GST in 2017.
Talking to reporters, Paswan praised the structure by newly simplified, called it a long -standing public demand.
“I expand my heartfelt greetings to all Indians of Navratri and all people of Bihar. These are the days of dedication to Mata Rani, and we pray for her grace and blessings that he should always stay with us, but I have to say that with the blessings of all citizens, all citizens have a major wish.”
GST 2.0, which came into force on Monday, simplifies the previous multi-slab structure in two main slabs, 5 percent and 18 percent, more than 375 required and consumer goods cheaper. This is being promoted as part of a nationwide ‘GST Savings Festival’, especially targeting middle class homes and small businesses.
Paswan questioned the party’s political stability and objectives, while responding rapidly on the attack of Congress President Mallikrajun Kharge on the government on GST.
“What do they really want to do? Increase inflation, increase GST? I don’t understand the opposition’s attitude. Why do you think it was not right? Why your Chief Ministers of your ruling states approve why? Why are you doing politics on everything?”
Kharge had previously posted on X, criticized new GST reforms and accused the Modi government of collecting Rs 55 lakh crore through “Gabbar Singh Tax” in the last eight years, while now trying to win the public side with “Rs 2.5 lakh crore savings festival”.
Paswan dismissed the attack as “confused” and “misleading”, suggesting that the Congress supported GST reforms at the state level, but now politicizing a move that would benefit millions.
“It is surprising that even after being part of the GST Council and approval to reforms, they still resort to false narratives,” said Paswan.
The festival season is going on and with GST 2.0 promising value relief, BJP is making a concrete effort to expose reforms as a policy, while the opposition has accused the government of short-term populistism.
As the two sides are ready for state elections, tax reform has once again become a political flashpoint, a which mixes the economic policy with an electoral message.
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Rupee/DPB