Tamil Nadu CM Criticizes Delayed GST Reforms: “Families Lost Lakhs of Crores”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claims about the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, asserting that families could have saved “many lakh crores more” had the restructuring happened eight years earlier. The new GST 2.0, dubbed “GST Bachat Utsav,” simplifies the previous four-slab system (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) into a streamlined two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, effective from September 22.

In a post on X, Stalin challenged Modi’s assertion that the reforms, combined with income tax cuts offering zero tax on incomes up to Rs 12 lakh, would save Indians Rs 2.5 lakh crore. “This is what the Opposition has demanded from the start,” Stalin remarked, emphasizing that earlier implementation would have significantly boosted household savings. He further highlighted that state governments have shouldered 50% of the relief burden, a contribution he claims the Centre has failed to acknowledge.

Launched alongside the Navratri festival, the GST reforms were celebrated by Modi as a boost for the middle class. However, Stalin accused the Union BJP government of withholding funds owed to states, specifically citing Tamil Nadu’s loss of Samagra Shiksha funds due to its resistance to “Hindi imposition.” He called for an end to such “injustice,” urging the Centre to respect federalism and release rightful funds.

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“India cannot grow by punishing states that defend their rights,” Stalin declared,

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