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P Chidambaram welcomes GST cuts, calls them 8 years too late

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram welcomed GST rationalisation but criticised the delay, while TMC called the rollback a victory for common people.

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Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram has welcomed the Centre’s sweeping Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms but criticised their timing, terming the rate rationalisation as “eight years too late.”

In a post on X, Chidambaram said that the opposition had consistently warned against the design and rates of GST since its inception, but the government ignored their objections. “The GST rationalisation and the reduction in rates on a range of goods and services are WELCOME but 8 years TOO LATE. The current design of GST and the rates prevailing until today ought not to have been introduced in the first place,” he wrote.

Questions timing of reforms

The Congress veteran also speculated on the factors that might have influenced the sudden decision, pointing to sluggish growth, rising household debt, falling savings, upcoming Bihar elections and trade tensions with the US. “It will be interesting to speculate on what drove the government to make the changes: Sluggish growth? Rising household debt? Falling household savings? Elections in Bihar? Mr Trump and his tariffs? All of the above?” he added.

TMC calls it “victory for people”

The Trinamool Congress also slammed the BJP-led NDA government, describing the rollback as a “victory for common people.” The party recalled that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously warned against taxing insurance premiums, calling it “cruel” and “anti-people.”

“The rollback proves that the government only acts when cornered. We will continue to fight every such anti-people decision in Parliament, on the streets, among the people,” the TMC said in its statement.

Centre announces “Next-Gen GST Reform”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier unveiled the “Next-Gen GST Reform” following the 56th GST Council meeting. The council approved rationalisation of GST slabs to two rates—5% and 18%—by merging the existing 12% and 28% categories. The move, announced as a “Diwali gift,” is expected to ease the cost of living, provide relief to households and farmers, and boost economic activity across sectors.

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Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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Mamata Banerjee questions poll process, targets Election Commission after defeat

Mamata Banerjee accuses the Election Commission of misconduct after BJP’s historic win in West Bengal, questioning the fairness of the electoral process.

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TMC chief alleges irregularities in electoral process as BJP secures decisive victory in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, accusing it of playing “nasty games” during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections.

Reacting to her party’s defeat, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief alleged that the electoral process was not conducted fairly and raised serious concerns over the role of authorities in the outcome.

According to reports, Banerjee claimed that the mandate did not reflect the true will of the people, suggesting that irregularities and manipulation may have influenced the results. She questioned the credibility of the election process and indicated that her party would review the situation further.

The remarks came after the Bharatiya Janata Party registered a historic win in West Bengal, marking a major political shift in the state.

Banerjee’s criticism adds to a series of allegations made during and after the election period, where she had earlier also raised concerns about counting procedures and the conduct of central agencies.

Despite the setback, the TMC leadership has signalled that it will continue to challenge the results politically, while maintaining that democratic norms must be upheld.

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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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