GST delayed because of 'stubborn' govt.: Chidambaram

Former finance minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill has been delayed because the BJP-led NDA regime is unwilling to step away from its stubborn position.

Commenting on the lukewarm reference on the GST by the government, Chidambaram said there has been no promise to accommodate legitimate criticism of the Opposition.

The senior Congress leader, who was talking to the media after the presentation of General Budget for the next fiscal, lauded the government for achieving the fiscal deficit target this year.

Chidambaram said he is happy with the present government continuing with the schemes introduced by the former UPA regime.

Stating the government is unaware of problems of the core sectors- power, steel mining, cement, oil and gas, Chidambaram said many projects are stranded and there is little new investment.

"There is no mention of exports, I think after 14 consecutive months of negative growth," he added.