Opposition Blasts PM Modi for 'Solo Credit' Claim on GST Amendments

In a move that has ignited a fresh political firestorm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address at a special GST event has drawn sharp criticism from India's opposition parties. While the Prime Minister lauded the Goods and Services Tax as a landmark reform, the opposition, particularly the Congress, wasted no time in accusing him of conveniently sidelining the extensive collaborative efforts that birthed and refined the crucial tax regime.

The crux of the opposition's grievance? A perceived attempt by PM Modi to claim exclusive credit for the significant amendments to the GST framework, overlooking the arduous debates, cross-party consensus-building, and numerous suggestions put forth by various political entities over the years.

This isn't merely a squabble over accolades; it underscores a deeper contention about the narrative of India's economic reforms.

Veteran Congress leader P. Chidambaram was quick to voice his disapproval, stating pointedly that the Prime Minister's speech "did not mention the original idea, the many twists and turns, the Congress party's steadfast opposition to certain provisions, and its eventual support once those provisions were amended." Chidambaram highlighted that the GST, in its current form, is a testament to the amendments championed by the Congress, which included a commitment to a standard rate not exceeding 18%, and the removal of the 1% additional tax on inter-state sales.

The Congress party further amplified its position, reminding the public that the very concept of a national Goods and Services Tax was initially conceived by the UPA government.

They underscored the contributions of past Finance Ministers, notably P. Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee, in shaping the initial contours of the GST bill. The party also pointed out that their demands for critical amendments, such as bringing petrol and diesel under the GST ambit and ensuring a higher cap for compensation cess, were instrumental in evolving the tax structure to its current form.

Echoing similar sentiments but from a regional perspective, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi expressed concerns that the Prime Minister's address seemed to gloss over the persistent issues faced by state governments.

She emphasized the ongoing struggle of states to secure their rightful share of revenue and the need for greater financial autonomy within the GST framework, suggesting that the spirit of cooperative federalism, often touted as a cornerstone of GST, remains a work in progress.

The opposition's unified stance paints a picture of frustration, suggesting that the Modi administration is keen on projecting a singular, heroic narrative of economic transformation, even at the cost of erasing the collective memory of legislative battles and bipartisan cooperation.

As the GST continues to evolve, this debate over ownership and acknowledgement is likely to persist, serving as a reminder that even in progress, political credit remains a fiercely contested currency.