Is Congress Practicing Double Standards on GST Rate Cuts?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress's double standards on GST cuts have been highlighted.
- Modi government is recognized for its efforts to reduce GST for the common man.
- Bommai criticizes the choice of ballot papers over EVMs in elections.
- Concerns raised about the manipulation of constitutional rights regarding minority reservations.
- Farmer suicides remain a critical issue despite claims of decline.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai criticized the Congress party for its contradictory stance on GST rate reductions, stating that their true nature has been revealed. During a press conference at the BJP office on Saturday, he expressed that the Congress has adopted a double policy regarding GST.
"While they advocate for tax reductions for citizens, they hesitate to relinquish their share of revenue. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has placed an additional tax burden of Rs 1 lakh crore on the state's populace, causing widespread hardship," Bommai remarked.
Bommai emphasized that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lowered GST to benefit the average citizen.
"This reduction will spur consumption and subsequently increase tax revenue. The advantages of these tax cuts reach ordinary citizens, who are well aware of it. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is dedicated to this initiative daily. The reduction in GST is set to change the trajectory of the country’s economy and may even position India as the world's third-largest economic power sooner than anticipated," he stated.
When questioned about the state government's choice to revert to ballot papers instead of EVMs for local body elections, he noted that previous use of ballot papers had led to numerous irregularities.
"The State Election Commissioner should reflect on the past incidents. Siddaramaiah has been elected twice with EVMs, yet he now suggests that the citizens of Bengaluru require ballot papers. This decision regresses us by 25 years, taken merely to appease his party leaders," the former Chief Minister asserted.
Addressing allegations about favoritism in government contracts towards Muslims under the pretext of minority rights, Bommai remarked that the Constitution does not provide for such reservations. "They manipulate the Constitution to suit their agenda. Social Welfare Minister Dr H.C. Mahadevappa needs to clarify where the Constitution endorses reservations for religious minorities," he added.
Regarding reports suggesting a decline in farmer suicides within the state, he countered that such tragedies are still occurring. "However, when farmers take their own lives, incidents often go unreported, leading to claims of a decrease in suicides," Bommai concluded.
IANS
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