Congress to decide today on GST launch participation

Suspense continued on Tuesday over the participation of the Congress in the June 30 midnight meeting in Parliament to coincide with the launch of GST, with the main opposition party likely to decide on the issue on Wednesday.

According to a senior Congress leader, the party would discuss the issue at a meeting slated in the evening tomorrow to arrive at a decision on whether to participate in the event.

Sources said the Congress leaders are divided on the issue, as a group within feels that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the party's brainchild which has been now taken over by the ruling BJP. Therefore, they feel, the party should attend the special meeting convened in the central hall of Parliament to launch the GST.

However, some leaders feel that the GST is being implemented in a haste and all aspects have not been taken into consideration leading to harassment of small traders and businessmen and thus, the party should abstain.

At the AICC briefing, party spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil said the Modi government is using GST to spread "tax terrorism", whereas the Congress conceptualised the move to simplify the tax regime for small traders and businessmen.

"Our leaders are talking to experts, businessmen and common people and are examining the issue. We will talk to all and discuss with experts and then take a final decision," Gohil said.