Congress blames BJP for blocking passage of GST

The Congress on Friday blamed the BJP for blocking the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill and adopting a "double standard" on the issue.

"Three 'Ds' - 'deception', 'deceit' and 'double-speak' have become hallmarks of (Narendra) Modi government with regard to implementation of GST and as other economic reforms," said Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil at a press conference.

"The BJP government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, have been putting up false smoke screen by accusing Congress party for obstructing GST. The real truth is that GST stands consistently red flagged for last nine years by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Swadeshi Jagran Manch," he added.

According to Gohil, the BJP government has resorted to "misleading and dramatic optics" to masquerade its mala fide intent for the operationalization of GST.

"BJP is ideologically opposed to a universal GST regime in India as an engine for economic growth. Now, they are camouflaging the 'paralysis of governance' and 'failure of leadership' over last 19 months to misguide people," he added.