Congress leaders addressing a press conference in Jammu on GST issue
JAMMU, Sept 23: The Congress party today launched a scathing attack on the Modi-led BJP Government, accusing it of fleecing the common man for the past eight years through nine different GST slabs and collecting more than Rs 55 lakh crore. Congress leaders said the tax system, termed 'Gabbar Singh Tax' by Rahul Gandhi, was anti-people and reforms came only after sustained opposition pressure.
The party alleged that while the BJP Government now claims credit for reforms in GST, it ignored public concerns for nearly a decade. “After crushing the common man under an unfair tax regime, they now project themselves as reformers. In reality, it was Congress’ consistent fight that forced these changes,” the leaders said.
Speaking at a press conference, senior leaders including working president Raman Bhalla, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, media coordinator Neeraj Gupta, spokesperson Kapil Singh, and Seva Dal chief Vijay Sharma demanded that Prime Minister Modi and the BJP apologize to the nation for introducing what they called a “ruthless and confusing tax system.”
Congress leaders pointed out that GST introduced multiple slabs — 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% and special rates of 0.25%, 1.5%, 3% and 6%. Essential items like pulses, rice, notebooks, medicines, and agricultural products were taxed, disproportionately affecting the poor and middle class. “Instead of One Nation, One Tax, BJP created One Nation, Nine Taxes,” they said.
The leaders also criticized the government over delayed relief to rain and flood-affected families in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, claiming farmers are struggling as paddy crops dry due to lack of irrigation and power restoration. They also raised concern over the absence of progress on KCC loan waivers and other relief measures.
Highlighting farmers’ plight, they alleged that for the first time in India’s history, agriculture has been heavily taxed. “At least 36 items in the agriculture sector were brought under GST, including milk, curd, grains, even children’s books and pencils. From food to healthcare, nothing was spared,” they said.
The party further said that many rural areas are still without water and electricity supply for months as motors remain unrepaired, adding to public hardship. “The Modi Government must address these failures urgently,” they added.
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Labels: Congress, GST, Economy, Farmers, Jammu
Tags: #Congress, #GST, #Economy, #Farmers, #Jammu
Disclaimer: This news report is based on inputs from Press Trust of India (PTI) and verified public sources. Jammu News Portal strives for factual and authentic reporting, though we do not take responsibility for any inadvertent errors. Readers are encouraged to verify official communications for complete details.
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