Even as prospects for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill seem bright, with both the government and the opposition parties indicating their willingness to discuss some of the contentious clauses, it is the issue of intolerance that threatens to disrupt the parliament. So we will discuss about the Constitution on the 125th anniversary. “Building consensus would be the key to the smooth functioning of parliament in this session”, Chakshu Roy, head of outreach at PRS Legislative Research, told IANS. Mr Naidu said GST Bill is significant for giving a push to economic activity.
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Instead, the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an all-out offensive against the Congress party, in a potentially risky game of brinkmanship that risks turning the next parliamentary session into a prolonged slanging match.
Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had said that of the total 32 parties represented at the all-party meet, 30 were in favour of the legislation and wanted its early passage.
He hoped that since the Congress party has been “rightly claiming” that the GST is their proposal and they moved it, “I am certainly willing to discuss it with them”.
“We are clear that we want a cap on the GST”, Rahul Gandhi told reporters in parliament. The Prime Minister also said that Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who has held talks with leaders of various parties, may talk to them further on the issue of India’s stand on the resolution on the climate change issue and any one can give suggestions for two more days. “Yes there are expectations and when those expectations are not met complaints are made but that’s the beauty of democracy”, he said.
“I quite agree with the Congress party leadership when they say that a solution has to be found by way of discussion”.
Congress first proposed the tax when it was in government, but political hostilities since Modi’s general election triumph 18 months ago have stalled the measure that seeks to create a single market and boost commerce in India’s $2 trillion economy.
The celebration stated on discussing the GST, the federal government hadn’t reached out for their commanders officially.
A dissent note submitted by the Congress had initially listed eight objections to the bill, but the party has narrowed these down to three.
The Government even tried to convene a special session later but failed to bring the Congress on board.
NDA leaders also resolved to strengthen urban local bodies and Modi said a system in the Centre as well states should be put in place. “The government has to accept the fact that the Congress has its views”, he said, adding, “We want to protect you from suit-boot”.
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Sources in the Congress said that in the coming session, those who may face the ire of the party may include Union Minister V K Singh over dog comment on the killing of two young children from a Dalit family in Haryana.
