Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He criticized the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented in 2017 and said that it was introduced as if the country was getting “second freedom”. The midnight celebrations were celebrated, Lata Mangeshkar’s songs were played and the public was encouraged to celebrate happiness when GST was implemented. However, Sanjay Singh said that his back was broken due to the imposition of heavy GST on millions of middle class families behind this celebration.
Criticism of tax robbery and policy changes
Sanjay Singh alleged that crores of rupees were looted from public pockets in the name of GST. He said that traders and general public were harassed by making hundreds of changes in GST rules. The government filled its chests by imposing heavy taxes on petrol and diesel. Now after eight years, the Prime Minister is promising revolutionary changes by talking about reducing GST. Sanjay Singh questioned that if there was only to improve, then why was the public looted by putting GST first? Why was forced tax charged for eight years?
GST collection demand to return to public
The AAP MP demanded that all the money recovered in the name of GST should be returned directly in public bank accounts. He said that this step is necessary to financially strengthen the common man ruined by the government’s tax policies.
Prime Minister Modi’s “indigenous” claims
Satire on the economic policies of the Modi government, Sanjay Singh said that Modi is now promoting “Swadeshi”, a BMW car, Swiss watches, German pen, Italian glasses and American phone uses. He took a pinch and said that Modi himself should start indigenous.
Question on import policies and neglect of domestic interests
Sanjay Singh also criticized the trade policies of the government. He said that the government has ruined domestic trade by importing Rs 39 lakh crore from China. Referring to the martyrdom of Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley, he accused the government of ignoring national interests. He also condemned the decision to reduce 11% import duty on American cotton, causing damage to Indian farmers. On the other hand, the US imposes 50% tariff on India, which reflects trade imbalance.
Demand for hollow promises and accountability
Sanjay Singh said that Modi makes big claims and shows dreams to the public, but the result is always zero. He demanded the government to close hollow promises and give account of tax loot for the last eight years. He reiterated that the common man of the country can become strong only when the money looted from the public in the name of GST and tax can become strong.