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Opposition slams Centre over GST reform, calls it one nation, nine taxes

Congress and other opposition parties have criticised the GST Council’s overhaul of tax slabs, accusing the Centre of complicating the system, while the government called it a much-needed reform.

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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s decision to reduce four tax slabs to two has triggered sharp political reactions. While the government projected the overhaul as a long-pending reform, the opposition, led by Congress, accused the ruling party of complicating the system and acting too late.

Opposition’s sharp criticism

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said the Centre has twisted the idea of “one nation, one tax” into “one nation, nine taxes.” He pointed to special rates of 0.25, 1.5, 3 and 6 per cent, which remain outside the main slabs of 5 and 18 per cent.

Senior leader P Chidambaram, a four-time Union Finance Minister, posted on X that the changes, though welcome, came “eight years too late.” He said Congress had consistently opposed the complicated GST structure and suggested political and economic compulsions may have pushed the Centre to act now.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu warned of potential revenue losses for states and suggested either extending the cess system or hiking taxes on luxury goods.

Leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Trinamool Congress also echoed concerns but cautiously welcomed some of the corrections. TMC MP Mahua Moitra highlighted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had flagged the issue of GST on health and life insurance last year.

Centre and allies defend move

The government said the rationalisation is based on eight years of data and would make the GST system simpler and more efficient. Union Minister of State for Finance Minister Pankaj Chowdhury insisted the changes were “the need of the hour” and described them as a “Diwali gift” aimed at easing the burden on citizens, farmers, and the middle class.

Allied parties including the JD(U) and TDP supported the decision, calling it a “pro-poor and growth-oriented” step. JD(U) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan described it as a “bumper gift” ahead of the festive season.

What changed in GST

The Council has removed the 12 per cent and 28 per cent brackets, leaving only 5 per cent and 18 per cent as the main slabs, which together contribute nearly 74 per cent of GST revenue. A special 40 per cent “sin tax” on luxury goods remains.

While the Centre hopes the reforms will boost consumption and ease compliance, the opposition remains sceptical, dubbing the revision “GST 1.5” and questioning if it will truly benefit MSMEs and the public.

India News

Himanta Biswa Sarma attacks Congress after Assam win, says people made Pawan Khera eat Pera

Himanta Biswa Sarma targets Congress after BJP’s Assam win, saying voters made Pawan Khera eat pera.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp attack on the Congress after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Reacting to the results, Sarma took a swipe at Congress leader Pawan Khera, saying that the people of Assam had made him “eat pera,” a remark aimed at highlighting the party’s defeat in the state.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered a commanding win, marking its third consecutive term in Assam. The BJP itself won a significant number of seats, while its allies — the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) — also contributed to the alliance’s strong tally.

The victory underlines the BJP’s continued dominance in the northeastern state, with Sarma emerging as the central figure in the party’s campaign and governance narrative.

Political observers note that the scale of the mandate reflects voter support for the party’s leadership and its governance approach, even as the opposition struggled to mount an effective challenge.

With this result, the BJP has further strengthened its position in Assam’s political landscape, while the Congress faces renewed questions over its performance in the state.

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Yogi Adityanath warns of strict action against forcible land occupation

Yogi Adityanath has warned of strict action against those forcibly occupying land, directing officials to ensure quick resolution of complaints.

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Yogi Adityanath has reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found forcibly occupying others’ land, underlining his government’s firm stance against illegal encroachment.

According to media reports, the Chief Minister issued the directive while addressing grievances, making it clear that such cases will not be tolerated and will be dealt with through strong legal measures. He instructed officials to ensure that victims receive timely relief and justice.

Adityanath emphasised that protecting citizens’ property rights remains a priority for the state government. He directed administrative and police authorities to act promptly in cases of land grabbing and ensure that illegal कब्ज़ा is removed without delay.

The Chief Minister has consistently maintained a tough position on land-related disputes. In recent interactions with the public, he has stressed the need for swift resolution of complaints and warned officials against negligence in handling such matters.

He also highlighted that strict legal action should be taken against those involved in unlawful occupation, ensuring accountability and deterrence against repeat offences.

The move is seen as part of the government’s broader push to strengthen law and order and curb the activities of land mafias in the state.

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Suvendu Adhikari after Bengal win, says Akhilesh Yadav is next

Suvendu Adhikari says Akhilesh Yadav is next after BJP’s Bengal win, shifts focus to Uttar Pradesh elections 2027.

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Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s sweeping victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, senior leader Suvendu Adhikari made a strong political statement, indicating that the party’s next focus will be the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2027.

Riding on the momentum of the party’s performance in Bengal, Adhikari said that several opposition leaders have already lost political ground and added that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav would be “next” in line.

The BJP leader, who secured key victories in constituencies such as Bhabanipur and Nandigram, also claimed that the defeat of the ruling Trinamool Congress marked the beginning of a political decline for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He asserted that her “political exile has started,” referring to her electoral losses in recent contests.

Adhikari further criticised the Trinamool Congress, comparing it with other opposition parties and alleging that it lacked ideology and was driven by family-based politics. He also suggested that several leaders and workers from the TMC could shift allegiance to the BJP in the coming period.

The BJP’s strong showing in West Bengal marks a major political shift in the state, where the party has managed to significantly expand its footprint. Political observers say the latest remarks underline the party’s intent to carry its electoral momentum into upcoming state elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, which is expected to be a key battleground in 2027.

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