"Forget all claims of being apostle of development and bringing storm of development if made Prime Minister, I wish to ask one simple question to Narendra Modi why did he block the GST which his party colleague and former Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi as its chairman had recommended," Ramesh told reporters.
"GST first mooted by the then Finance minister Yashwant Sinha and for which Sushil Modi worked tirelessly would have been in place but for BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi who is the 'biggest stumbling block' of the important legislation," Ramesh said.
Ramesh, considered close to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and a strategist for him, dismissed election survey reports projecting lower seats for Congress and a surge for BJP.
"Similar surveys went wrong in 2004 as well 2009 and saw Congress led UPA to power," he said.
"Such surveys keep coming...There is political agenda behind such surveys," he added.
Asked if Rahul Gandhi would be obvious choice for the Prime Ministership if Congress is voted back to power, Ramesh, flanked by PCC chief Ashok Chaudhary, said he has already said that if MPs elect him, he will have no problem in discharging the responsibility.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
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
