Letters: Verify math on GST

With reference to Archis Mohan's report, "New Rajya Sabha math emboldens govt to make renewed push for GST" (June 29), the development is interesting on the eve of the monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is understood to be banking on the new equations following favourable results in both the Assembly polls and the Rajya Sabha nominations. The equations may come in handy to get two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha for the passage of the Goods and Services Tax Bill.

A greater consensus was achieved between the Centre and the finance ministers of 29 states on the proposed GST legislation during a meeting in Kolkata called for the purpose of arriving at a conciliation. Tamil Nadu was the only state that had reservations. Later, Kerala also backed out.

The Centre should not count its chickens before the eggs are laid. The thing to remember is there are no permanent friends or foes in politics. The government should check its mathematical accuracy again before venturing out with yet another schedule of the GST Bill in Parliament.

On previous occasions the government has had to eat humble pie as the Congress tactfully spoiled its chances by joining hands with parties opposed to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The government should ensure that its renewed expectations do not turn out to be mere wishful thinking.

Vinayak G, Bengaluru

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