Chidambaram hits out at Modi govt on GST, says ‘thanks to Gujarat elections’

Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Friday accused the Modi-led government of amending major changes in the taxation system to lure voters of Gujarat in the upcoming Assembly elections.

In a series of tweets P Chidambaram hit out at the BJP-led government for enforcing the GST without proper planning. In a tweet he said, “Thanks to Gujarat elections, Govt forced to heed advice of Opposition and experts on flaws in implementation of GST.”

Thanks to Gujarat elections, Govt forced to heed advice of Opposition and experts on flaws in implementation of GST.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 10, 2017

The former finance minister in one of the tweets hinted that the Modi-led government in fear of losing the forthcoming Gujarat elections is forced to amend changes in the GST. “Expect a shower of changes in GST rates from GST Council meeting today. Panic-stricken govt has no option but to concede demands for change,” wrote Chidambaram in Twitter.

He also wrote that Gujarat cities are closely watching the BJP government’s move in the 23rd GST Council Meeting. “Congress FMs will force changes in GST Council meeting today. Agra, Surat, Tiruppur and other hub towns are watching.”

The 23rd meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is now underway in Guwahati and is being chaired by the Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley. The Council is also expected to slash tax rates on various goods of common consumption such as handmade furniture, shampoo, sanitary ware, plywood, stationery articles, and play instruments, among others.