TMC 'on board' with Govt. on GST

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Friday said that his party is 'on board' with the government's Goods and Services Tax (GST) Constitution Amendment Bill, which is scheduled to be tabled in the Lok Sabha.

"The TMC made a commitment in its manifesto to introduce GST, so we have had talks with the government. We want to move in that direction so we will of course support its introduction. We only have one or two minor issues; most of the major issues have already been addressed," O'Brien told ANI.

"In principle, we are on board to fulfil our election manifesto commitment," he added.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to move the GST bill in the Lok Sabha for discussion and passage today.

According to reports, the BJP is likely to issue a whip to its members asking them to be present at the time of passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill, requiring two-third majority.

Jaitley had earlier held discussions with state Finance Ministers across the country with regards to the rolling out of the GST, with most states reportedly giving their assent on its provisions.

Once the bill is approved by Parliament, it will have to be ratified by half of the states.

The GST bill had been introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2014.