Hailing PM Modi, BJP says GST reforms 'next-gen, historic'

New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday hailed the new GST reforms as a "next-generation reform," with party chief JP Nadda calling it a historic moment for the people.

"PM Modi had said in his August 15 Red Fort address that the government intended to bring next-generation GST reforms. Under his leadership, the GST Council delivered in just 20 days with historic changes - eliminating tax on many essentials and cutting rates sharply on others. The new regime now has only two slabs - 5% and 18%," Nadda posted on X, adding that the move showed the government's commitment to easing citizens' lives.

Nadda said the Congress-led UPA government could not even implement the GST because states did not trust it. On the contrary, the Congress at that time robbed poor people and traders through Value Added Tax (VAT) and left ample scope for tax evasion, he claimed.

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, at a press conference, said the reforms had created "an atmosphere of joy even before Navratri," adding that from September 22, "everything will become cheaper for everyone - farmers, patients, housewives, office workers, and children alike."

BJP chief ministers and leaders across states hailed the move as a Diwali bonanza and thanked PM Modi.