Congress, government to have more talks on GST

Earlier on Monday, the federal government had held a gathering with the primary opposition to construct consensus on the GST Bill, which was attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, whereas Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia have been current from the Congress aspect.

The bill is pending passage in Parliament owing to strong reservations of certain regional parties, a reason why it could not pass muster in Lok Sabha after being pushed through Rajya Sabha on the back of strong measures adopted by the Chair during UPA.

The Congress sees the last comment as an allusion to the National Herald case against Sonia and others, who are accused of plotting a fraudulent acquisition of the assets of the now-closed newspaper’s former publisher.

Jaitley said the nation was waiting for parliament to discuss public issues, to legislate and approve a constitution amendment enabling GST. It lapsed with the end of the 15th Lok Sabha. “We have functioned, therefore, during these five years not only on the edge of history but sometimes plunging into the processes of making history”, he quoted Nehru as saying. “What should the Opposition do when barbaric assaults take place on Dalits – applaud?” We also know of the plot to destabilise our state governments. “We have agreed that we will meet again”, said Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma. Out of these bills, GST and real estate bill are on top of the list, and seven hours have been allotted for discussion on the two bills.

“There is a need for wider consultations among stakeholders”, he said, adding it was the government’s responsibility to ensure proper care of children so that they do not go astray. “This government has mismanaged the economy and, if we calculate by the old method, the growth has been merely 5.4 per cent”. “What is most unfortunate is that the session began with a sort of bonhomie of chai par charcha, between Modi and Congress leaders which seemed like a dialogue between statesmen, of having a mature political class. But, the moment National Herald case came in, the Congress party turned vitriolic in its attack against the BJP, ruling out any constructive business at least in this session”, said Manisha Priyam, a New Delhi-based political analyst. Now exports have fallen sharply for 12 consecutive months despite global expansion of trade. “The rupee is sliding”.