Congress Takes Credit for GST 2.0 Reforms, BJP Dismisses Claims

The Congress party on Wednesday claimed credit for the recent GST rationalization, attributing the reforms to Rahul Gandhi’s long-standing proposal for a simplified two-slab tax structure. Congress Media In-charge Jairam Ramesh welcomed the decision while criticizing the government for reducing the GST Council to a “mere formality.”

Congress Demands State Compensation

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated demands for GST simplification, alleging that the Modi government transformed “One Nation, One Tax” into “One Nation, Nine Taxes” through multiple slabs of 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, along with special rates. Kharge welcomed the rationalization but insisted all states receive five-year compensation using 2024-25 as the base year.

Finance Minister Admits GST 1.0 Shortcomings

Ramesh criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, claiming she finally admitted “GST 1.0 had reached a dead end” due to weak private consumption, poor investment climate, and ongoing classification disputes. The Congress maintains it has advocated for GST reforms for nearly a decade.