PM appeals to Oppn for cooperation on passage of GST Bill

Appealing to the Opposition for cooperation on the eve of the Winter session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made a strong pitch for early passage of the GST Bill, saying it will be in the interest of the nation.

Modi, who made a brief appearance at the all-party meeting hosted by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, assured the Opposition leaders that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will talk to them to address their concerns, if any, on the key reform measure.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the all party meeting that Goods and Services Tax (GST) legislation is in the interest of nation and the Finance Minister will speak to the parties concerned to address their doubts on it,” Naidu said after the meeting.

Modi said Parliament should run meaningfully with the cooperation of all so as to fulfil the expectations of the people. Significantly, the JD(U) also backed the GST with party president Sharad Yadav announcing support of his party to the measure after the all-party meeting.

CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, however, said that the Centre should hold talks with states on the issue of GST in view of the fact that they will lose all legislative power on tax matters once GST comes into force.