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Key Points

The Principal Media Advisor to the Himachal CM has welcomed the recent GST reforms. However, he strongly criticized the central government for what he called an eight-year-long exploitation of the public. He accused the Modi administration of imposing a "Jaziya tax" and failing to pass on benefits from low global oil prices. The advisor also credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for being an early and vocal critic of the GST structure.

Key Points: Himachal Advisor Naresh Chauhan Slams Modi GST as Jaziya Tax

  • Naresh Chauhan questions why GST reform took eight years since its 2017 launch
  • Accuses Modi government of collecting ₹55 lakh crore by squeezing the public
  • Alleges benefits of low crude oil prices were given to industrialists, not people
  • Credits Rahul Gandhi for early criticism, dubbing GST a "Gabbar Singh Tax"
3 min read

Bihar polls forced the decision on GST: Himachal CM's media advisor

Himachal CM's advisor welcomes GST cuts but accuses Modi govt of looting public with "Jaziya tax" for 8 years, crediting Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue early.

"We welcome the decision to cut GST slabs, but let the BJP government explain why, since 2017, it looted the people by imposing this very GST as a form of Jaziya tax. - Naresh Chauhan"

Shimla, September 24

The Principal Media Advisor to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhanon, on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to reduce GST slabs but accused the Modi government of exploiting people for eight years under what he termed as a "Jaziya tax."

Addressing the media in Shimla and later speaking to ANI, Chauhan said they have already welcomed the GST reforms, but asked why it took the Centre so long to start this since 2017.

"We welcome the decision to cut GST slabs, but let the BJP government explain why, since 2017, it looted the people by imposing this very GST as a form of Jaziya tax. In eight years, they squeezed the public and collected ₹55 lakh crore. What explanation does Prime Minister Modi have for this?" He questioned.

Chauhan further alleged that despite international crude oil prices remaining low for years, the benefit was never passed on to the common people. "The profit from cheaper crude was handed over to big industrialists. Why was the public deprived of that relief?" he asked.

Crediting Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue early

"It was Rahul Gandhi who, from the very beginning, said the GST slabs should be reduced. The Congress had described it as a Gabbar Singh Tax. The Modi government should not mislead the public today but admit that it has only corrected its mistake. "Chauhan Said.

Chauhan also pointed out that, "Even after the Prime Minister's announcement, there has been no reduction in prices of goods in the market."

Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Lok Congress MP Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that the ECI took a corrective measure for voter deletion only after he alleged "vote theft" in Aland.

Sharing a media report, Rahul Gandhi asked the Election Commission to submit the evidence to the Crime Investigation Department (CID).

"Gyanesh ji, we caught the theft and only then did you remember to put a lock - now we'll catch the thieves too. So tell us, when are you going to give the evidence to CID?" the Congress MP wrote on X.T

his comes amid Rahul Gandhi's allegations of an attempt to delete over 6000 votes in Karnataka's Aland.

While the Election Commission has refuted the allegations and has maintained that "no deletion of votes can be done online by any member of the public", this has sparked a fresh political row where the Opposition is pushing the allegations, while the ruling parties have accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading falsehood.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Calling GST "Jaziya tax" is too harsh language. While there were issues, the government has now corrected them. We should appreciate the reform rather than politicize everything. 🇮🇳
A
Arjun K
The point about crude oil prices is valid! We never saw the benefit when international prices were low. Petrol prices remained high throughout. Common man always suffers 😔
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how state elections force policy changes. Democracy working as intended! Bihar polls making Centre reconsider GST slabs shows people's power 💪
M
Michael C
Both sides make valid points. The government should have implemented reforms earlier, but opposition should also acknowledge when corrections are made. Healthy debate is good for democracy.
K
Kavya N
"Gabbar Singh Tax" to reduced slabs - full circle! 😄 Hope the price reduction actually reaches consumers. Often companies don't pass on the benefits to end customers.
V
Vikram M
The voter deletion allegations are concerning. Election Commission should be completely impartial. Hope they investigate properly and maintain trust in our electoral process.

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