The Congress called the reforms "inadequate," while the TMC credited Mamata Banerjee for the rate revisions. (Image: File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on Sunday, focused on the upcoming GST reforms, was met with sharp criticism from a united opposition. Opposition parties criticized the prime minister of avoiding important concerns, taking too much credit, and passing off "old news" as a breakthrough while he promoted "Made in India" products and proclaimed a "Bacchat Utsav" (Savings Festival).
In his 19-minute speech, PM Modi outlined the benefits of the revised GST rates set to take effect on September 22. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to millions of families across the country for the Next Generation GST reforms,” he said, framing them as a catalyst to accelerate India’s growth, simplify business, and make every state an “equal partner in development.”
The Congress party led the charge, accusing the Prime Minister of “claiming sole ownership” of a reform decided by the GST Council, a constitutional body. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to X to call the current reforms “inadequate.”
“The Indian National Congress has long argued that the GST has been a Growth Suppressing Tax,” Ramesh wrote, citing issues like punitive rates on essential items and costly compliance. He stated that the Congress had been demanding a ‘GST 2.0’ since 2017 and that it was a key pledge in their 2024 election manifesto.
This criticism came despite PM Modi acknowledging in his speech that many state governments deserved credit for the GST reforms, stating it was the result of taking “all states on board.”
The opposition’s discontent extended beyond GST. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai expressed disappointment over the PM’s silence on the issue of ‘vote theft’, a reference to recent allegations in states like Himachal Pradesh. "PM Modi should also have spoken something about the way votes are being stolen and governments are being formed. This is very unfortunate," Rai told the media.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dismissed the speech’s timing and content. AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj quipped that the GST news was “very old” and suggested the 5 PM timing was to avoid clashing with the India vs. Pakistan cricket match. He expressed disappointment that the PM did not address more pressing issues, like recent U.S. decisions to increase H-1B fees and impose tariffs, which he cited as a sign of India’s failing foreign policy.
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The Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched a direct challenge to the narrative, crediting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for forcing the government’s hand on lowering GST rates.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh stated, "Mamata Banerjee raised her voice against it... The central government was forced to change the GST rates." He questioned why the government introduced "anti-people" rates initially if they now wanted credit for changing them.
Chief Minister Banerjee herself echoed this, claiming the Centre was taking undue credit for a move initiated by the state. She revealed that West Bengal would lose approximately ₹20,000 crore in revenue due to the changes but supported them for public benefit. “Why are you (Modi) claiming credit for it? It was our suggestion,” she said, referring to a GST Council meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
