Modi Unleashes Scathing Critique on Congress's GST U-Turn, Champions Economic Reforms in Odisha

In a powerful and charged address from Baripada, Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of stark hypocrisy regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant economic transformation brought about by GST, contrasting it sharply with the Congress's initial fierce opposition and their subsequent quiet adoption of the same policy in states they govern.

Modi recounted how the Congress had once derided GST as the "Gabbar Singh Tax," predicting economic chaos.

Yet, he pointed out, the very party that vocalized such strong criticism now implements the tax reform without objection wherever they hold power. "The nation remembers how they tried to mislead everyone by calling it the 'Gabbar Singh Tax'," Modi asserted, "but today, in the states where they are in power, they are collecting the same GST.

This reveals their true character of duplicity."

The Prime Minister passionately defended GST as a revolutionary step towards a more unified and transparent tax system, a move that has directly benefited the common citizen, especially the poor, women, and small businesses. He explained that prior to 2014, India was burdened with a labyrinth of state and central taxes, making the economic landscape complex and prone to inefficiencies.

GST, he emphasized, replaced this fragmented system with a single, streamlined tax structure, fostering ease of business and reducing the overall tax burden on essential goods.

Modi elaborated on the tangible benefits, citing a significant drop in prices for a range of everyday items. "From mobile phones to footwear, and from household goods to various commodities, GST has led to a noticeable reduction in their costs," he stated.

This reduction, he argued, directly translates into increased purchasing power for families and greater affordability for essential goods, making life easier for millions.

Beyond GST, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to highlight a broader spectrum of his government's welfare initiatives that have touched lives across India, including Odisha.

He spoke of the Jan Dhan Yojana, which has brought financial inclusion to countless unbanked families; the free ration scheme, ensuring food security for the vulnerable; and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, providing crucial financial support to farmers. He also underscored the impact of Ayushman Bharat, offering free healthcare, and the PM Awas Yojana, which aims to provide housing for all, transforming dreams into reality for the underprivileged.

Modi didn't limit his address to national schemes, also detailing significant development projects being undertaken in Odisha.

He mentioned key infrastructure advancements such as the Paradip oil refinery expansion, the development of new railway lines, extensive highway construction, and crucial port development initiatives. These projects, he stressed, are pivotal for boosting the state's economy, creating employment opportunities, and integrating Odisha more closely into India's growth story.

In a concluding political broadside, the Prime Minister reiterated his government's commitment to progress and stability, contrasting it with what he termed the opposition's consistent obstructionism.

He accused the Congress of having a track record of opposing every pro-poor and developmental scheme, a stance he suggested was rooted in political opportunism rather than genuine concern for the public good. As the nation gears up for crucial elections, Modi presented a clear choice: a stable, development-oriented government versus an alliance prone to instability and self-interest, urging the people of Odisha to support a vision of continued growth and prosperity.