With main opposition Congress and most other parties on board, Rajya Sabha tonight passed a bill
to amend the Constitution to facilitate rollout of the historic GST amid government's assurance that the tax rates would be kept "as low as possible".
The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved by the Upper House with 203 votes in favour and none against, after a seven-hour debate during which a rare bonhomie was witnessed among the ruling and the opposition parties. Here is what leaders said after passage of the bill.
It's a historic day. Whole country will have one tax structure. It will be a good future for India: RS Prasad
They have considered many of our aspects. Have to wait & see what happens in winter session: Renuka Chowdhury
With GST, GDP will grow by 1.5 %. This GST will develop the state and country at a faster rate:C'garh CM Raman Singh
They made half a promise, if they will bring it as finance bill or money bill. Im half satisfied: PChidambaram
We now propose to take some amendments made to the GST Bill as approved by the LS, back to the LS very soon: Arun Jaitley
Still doubt it to be a money bill. FM has assured us that he will talk to us before passing it: Kapil Sibal
I'd like to add that GST will also be the best example of cooperative federalism. Together we will take India to new heights of progress: PM