According to Sushil Anand Shukla, President of the Pradesh Congress Communication Department, the Modi government’s recent adjustments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) follow a period of economic turmoil, including damage to domestic trade and soaring inflation. Shukla pointed out the removal of the 28% and 12% GST slabs, while simultaneously introducing a new 40% slab. He referenced prior warnings, asserting that the need for GST reform was evident. The Congress party has long maintained that the GST system, introduced with fanfare and presented as a sign of economic advancement, was flawed. Shukla further criticized the government’s tax collection practices, claiming they are more exploitative than those of the British. He highlighted the significant revenue generated through GST over the past eight years. Shukla also highlighted that essential goods are still subject to high GST rates, and that the government’s recent acceptance of the shortcomings in the original GST implementation. He also mentioned the imposition of GST on agricultural goods, and criticized the continued exclusion of petrol, diesel, and liquor. The Congress party disputes the Modi government’s claims of a simplified GST structure.
