Congress terms GST architecture, design 'defective'

The Congress on Friday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the entire Goods and Services Tax (GST) architecture and design was 'defective'.

The Congress' statement came close on the heels of the 23rd meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

While speaking to ANI, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, "A consistent pressure put by the Congress especially by vice-president Rahul Gandhi and also finance minister has finally worked on some items. A ruler, who is completely autocratic, finally has seen some reason to reduce the GST on certain items of daily use. But the problem is that the entire GST architecture and design is 'defective'."

"The Congress meant GST to be single, uncomplicated taxation. That's why we called it 'Genuine and Simple Tax'. But under Modi ji, it has become 'Gabbar Singh Tax'. If we go to see, Prime Minister Modi has only given temporary relief. When will be the day we all will live in peace? Why is electricity and petrol kept out of GST?" he said.

The GST Council, earlier in the day, decided to slash rates on more than 175 items, reducing taxes on these from the existing 28 per cent.

This is being considered as one of the biggest tax reductions since the new system kicked-in from July 1.