Not able to understand GST, says BJP minister of MP

Image
Press Trust of India Bhopal
Last Updated : Nov 10 2017 | 9:02 PM IST
A candid confession by Madhya Pradesh minister Om Prakash Dhurve that he did not understand the Goods and Services Tax (GST) left the BJP red-faced as it argued that he is only a minister and not a chartered accountant.
According to Dhurve, even big CAs are not able to understand the GST leave aside traders and people like him.
He made the remarks during an address to a gathering of BJP workers organised to mark anti-black money Day at Umaria town on November 8, the first anniversary of demonetisation.
A video of his speech has gone viral on social media.
"The results (of GST) would come after some time... there are problems as of now. What is GST, I am not able to understand myself... (Hence) I will not speak on this issue, let the experts speak," Dhurve told the gathering.
"Even big CAs are not able to understand. What it is.... even traders are not able to understand," he added.
The BJP, however, tried to defend him stating that Dhurve is right in saying that people would gradually understand the new taxation system.
"GST is a new tax regime. He (Dhurve) is a minister and not a CA. So, what he was saying is that people would gradually understand about this new tax system," state BJP chief Nandkumar Singh Chauhan said.
Dhurve's statement gave an opportunity to the opposition Congress to slam the BJP-led NDA government as it said that the GST is complex and even the Centre is unable to understand it.
"The Centre has been making continuous changes in the GST since it was launched. Even the government is not able to understand its complexities. So, Dhurve ji was also right in saying that he is not able to understand it," state Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi said.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 10 2017 | 9:02 PM IST

Next Story