NEW DELHI: Calling the latest round of GST rate cuts a "historic & transformational step" that will reduce consumer burden and boost demand, govt Friday launched a sharp attack on Congress, accusing it of leaving behind a "high-taxation, fragile economy" and "failing to build consensus" on reforms during its decade in office.
Union minister
Piyush Goyal said, "Such a change in the tax structure has never happened since Independence. PM Narendra Modi has given a big gift to 140 crore Indians." He contrasted this with Congress' record: "For 10 years (2004 to 2014), they did nothing except corruption. Congress means high taxation - there was tax upon tax, sometimes up to 95%."
Goyal said govt ensured simplification, transparency and relief: "From soaps and toothpaste to scooters, fridges and textiles, the benefit will be passed on. For 35-36 life-saving drugs, GST has been brought down to zero."
He also rebutted opposition criticism, claiming Congress was trying to "spread falsehoods" to cover up its "failures". Slamming Rahul Gandhi, he said: "We all know he is like a rocket that has failed many times after being launched. He himself often forgets what he said earlier and what he says now."
Govt drew sharp contrasts with UPA era, recalling how India was clubbed with "Fragile Five" economies in 2014. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji left a strong economy. Congress weakened it. Modi ji turned India into world's fastest-growing economy at 7.8%," Goyal said.
Dismissing allegations that the timing of reforms was politically motivated, he said, "My govt never takes decisions keeping elections in mind."