Centre has forced states to accept GST at gunpoint: CM

The Centre has forced the states to accept GST at gunpoint, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said here on Thursday afternoon.

Lashing out at the Modi government, she said: "We had supported GST but stated that the country is not ready to implement it and demanded that it should be deferred till we are ready for it. But the Centre went ahead overruling our objections."

Banerjee alleged that the Centre has taken measures "vindictively" against those who have criticised the government.

"Barring a few, all the media houses have been purchased and those who are opposing it are being harassed. The Centre deployed central agencies against NDTV and other newspaper houses have been harassed because of their opposition. They want that everyone should highlight what they do," she said, adding: "But all

are not of the same sort and there should be someone to bell the cat."

"By letting loose CBI or ED, they cannot scare me and I will continue to oppose them as long as they take oppressive measures."

Banerjee said the Trinamool Congress will continue to oppose the schemes that go against the interest of the people.

"Our party works for the poorest of the poor and any step that affects their interest will not be accepted," she said. It may be mentioned that Banerjee has instructed all her party MPs to boycott the meeting at the Lok Sabha on June 30 midnight when GST will be introduced throughout the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Coming down heavily on the Centre for demonetisation, she said: "Time has proved that it has failed to yield any result. It is the biggest scam in India in recent times and the rural sector is yet to recover from the trauma of demonetisation."

It may also be mentioned that within half-an-hour after demonetisation of high-value notes was announced by the Prime Minister on November 9, 2016, Banerjee gave

her reaction and said that it would affect common people very badly.

Over the months, noted economists of the country and abroad have echoed similar thoughts.

The Chief Minister alleged that the Centre was trying to oppose the state government "even administratively."

She alleged: "We had recommended a senior IAS officer to become the chairman of Tea Board. The Centre has turned down our proposal and is trying to make someone close to them as the chairman. It is also trying to shift the headquarters of Tea Board from the city."