Rahul Gandhi Criticizes GST as 'Brutal Tool of Corporate Cronyism'

On the eight-year anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the tax system, labeling it a 'brutal tool of corporate cronyism.' Gandhi argues that the current GST framework is designed to benefit large corporations while disadvantaging small businesses and ordinary citizens.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha claims that the existing system has become a 'compliance nightmare' and an economic burden for MSMEs, leading to the shutdown of over 18 lakh enterprises. He emphasizes the need for a GST reform that aligns with the principles of being 'people-first' and 'business-friendly'.

Gandhi further contends that the GST has been politically exploited to penalize non-BJP ruled states, thus undermining India's federal structure. He insists that the idea behind GST was visionary but its potential was marred by poor implementation and bureaucratic hurdles.

(With inputs from agencies.)