Ravi Kishan's 50% GST Claim Sparks Online Uproar: Is This Math or Magic?

A recent statement by BJP Member of Parliament, Ravi Kishan, has sent ripples across social media, not of agreement, but of outright bewilderment. During a Lok Sabha debate concerning the persistent issue of price rises, the actor-turned-politician confidently asserted that the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform had miraculously slashed the prices of essential items by a whopping 50%.

This claim, delivered with unwavering conviction, was quickly met with a tsunami of incredulity and sharp rebukes from netizens who found his 'math' to be disturbingly disconnected from their daily realities.

Kishan, representing Gorakhpur, emphatically stated, "When GST was not implemented, the prices of essential commodities like rice, pulses, salt, oil, and spices were very high.

Since GST has been implemented, their prices have come down by 50%." He even went further, suggesting that the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman deserved accolades for this supposed economic miracle. However, the online public, grappling with rising grocery bills and escalating costs of living, was far from convinced.

The immediate fallout on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) was a flurry of sarcastic remarks, bewildered queries, and direct challenges to the MP's understanding of basic economics and the common person's struggle.

Users were quick to point out that far from a 50% reduction, many essential goods, from cooking oil and milk to LPG cylinders, have seen a steady, often significant, increase in price over recent years. "#RaviKishanMath" began trending, becoming a catchphrase for the perceived absurdity of the statement.

Many netizens posted images of price tags, bills, and news articles documenting inflation, effectively creating a real-world counter-narrative to Kishan's claims.

"Which market is he shopping in?" one user quipped, while another sarcastically asked if the MP had access to a special 'discount' dimension. The general sentiment was one of frustration, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the statements made by some political figures and the harsh economic realities faced by the average Indian household.

While the government has indeed aimed to streamline taxation and potentially reduce costs through GST, the lived experience for many suggests a different story, particularly concerning everyday necessities.

Ravi Kishan's bold assertion has, therefore, not only sparked a public debate but also underscored the significant gap between official narratives and the ground-level economic struggles that continue to impact millions across the country.