‘People’s wish fulfilled by PM Modi’: Chirag Paswan slams Congress over GST ‘politics’

Union Minister Chirag Paswan hailed GST 2.0 as fulfilling a long-standing public demand, while accusing Congress of political inconsistency. The BJP projects the reform as people-first; opposition calls it short-term populism.

New Delhi: Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday extended greetings to the nation on Navratri while voicing strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rollout of GST 2.0, the government’s most significant tax reform since GST’s introduction in 2017.

Speaking to reporters, Paswan praised the new simplified tax structure, calling it the fulfilment of a long-standing public demand.

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“I extend my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Navratri to all Indians and to all people of Bihar. These are the days of devotion to Mata Rani, and we pray for her grace and blessings to always remain with us. But I must say that with Mata Rani’s blessings, one major wish of all citizens has already been fulfilled by our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi…”

GST 2.0, which took effect on Monday, streamlines the earlier multi-slab structure into two main slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, making over 375 essential and consumer items cheaper. It is being promoted as part of a nationwide “GST Savings Festival,” targeting middle-class households and small businesses.

Responding to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s criticism of the reforms, Paswan questioned the opposition’s consistency.

“What exactly do they want to do? Increase inflation, raise GST? I don’t understand the opposition’s stance. Why do you think it was not right? Why did your Chief Ministers from your ruling states give approval? Why are you doing politics on everything?”

Kharge had earlier posted on X, accusing the Modi government of collecting Rs 55 lakh crore through “Gabbar Singh Tax” over eight years, while now trying to win public favour with a “Rs 2.5 lakh crore savings festival.”

Paswan dismissed the remarks as “confused” and “misleading,” suggesting Congress had backed GST reforms at the state level but was now politicising a move that benefits millions.

“It’s surprising that even after being part of the GST Council and approving reforms, they still resort to false narratives,” Paswan said.

With festival season underway and GST 2.0 promising price relief, the BJP is highlighting the reform as a people-first policy, while the opposition brands it as short-term populism. Tax reform has thus become a fresh political flashpoint, blending economic policy with electoral messaging.