Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, who also oversees the Finance sector, expressed support for the recent GST reforms initiated by the Centre. He remarked, "We applaud the GST Council's decision to rationalise GST rates, a critical move aimed at alleviating both the financial and compliance pressures on individuals and businesses."

In a statement issued on Friday, CM Siddaramaiah highlighted, "This initiative does not represent a novel insight but rather a long-awaited acknowledgment of the demands made by Rahul Gandhi, opposition leaders, and states governed by the opposition since 2016-2017, when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration hastily implemented a flawed GST system."

He pointed out, "From the onset, we warned that this 'Gabbar Singh Tax' would suffocate small enterprises, escalate compliance expenses, and burden average families. Unfortunately, for eight years, Prime Minister Modi disregarded these alerts."

He elaborated: "It's essential to clarify that the GST framework allocates one-third of the total voting power to the Union government, with all states sharing the remaining two-thirds. A three-fourths majority is necessary for any reform, meaning that even with unanimous state agreement, a determined Central government can obstruct changes. This is precisely what Mr. Modi’s administration has done. Today’s corrective measures affirm that our perspective was correct from the outset. The Indian populace could have avoided years of distress had the Union government listened earlier."

"The onus now lies with the Union Government and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to guarantee that the advantages of GST rationalisation truly benefit consumers. The drop in rates should lower costs for the public, not augment profits for large corporations. Should these benefits not reach the average citizen, the responsibility will rest squarely on the Union Government," stated CM Siddaramaiah.

"Karnataka alone may forfeit ₹15,000–20,000 crore in revenue due to this change. Nonetheless, prioritising the welfare of our people above all else, we embrace it. We also firmly urge the Union Government to return the GST compensation cess currently collected on specific sin goods to the states," he appealed.

"As a state, we remain dedicated to fostering an economy that enhances purchasing power, expands the tax base, and promotes prosperity for everyone. For us, governance transcends optics; it’s about empowering every citizen of Karnataka and India," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Heavy and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil criticized Prime Minister Modi, stating that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had consistently highlighted the shortcomings in GST implementation over the last nine years.

However, the Prime Minister ignored these concerns until now. Consequently, the citizens of the nation have endured considerable hardship, he asserted.

Responding to inquiries from reporters at his Bengaluru residence, the minister remarked, "The newly introduced two-tier GST policy is commendable. However, the prolonged suffering experienced by the public stems from the inflexible stance of Prime Minister Modi."