‘Historic Day for India’: Politicos React After GST Bill is Passed

While BJP leaders welcomed the news on social media and otherwise, Congress leaders have expressed some concerns.

The long-pending and much-anticipated GST Bill was unanimously passed in the Rajya Sabha of Wednesday after main Opposition parties approved the relevant Constitutional Amendment Bill to pave the way for the introduction of what is touted as the biggest tax reform in independent India.

BJP politicians were ecstatic and expressed the same on social media. Some of the congress leaders still have their doubts.

Also Read: DeQoded: How The GST Bill Will Be Good For You

Best Example of Cooperative Federalism: Prime Minister Modi

On this truly historic occasion of the passage of the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha, I thank the leaders and members of all parties.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2016

We continue to work with all parties & states to introduce a system that benefits all Indians & promotes a vibrant & unified national market

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2016

I would like to add that GST will also be the best example of cooperative federalism. Together we will take India to new heights of progress

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2016

BJP Ministers Welcome the Bill

This is a great day for Indian democracy and Indian federalism, its at its best. The Centre and the state governments will have to work together to make this a great success. We will take this to Lok Sabha, and with the direction of the speaker we will pass it as soon as possible.

Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley

Historic day for the country.GST Bill will pave way for economic unification of the country.An important milestone in economic reform

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 3, 2016

I congratulate PM Sh @narendramodi and FM Sh @arunjaitely for creating wide consensus on #GSTBill that will benefit all including poor.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 3, 2016

GST will lead to 'One Nation, One Tax', empower States and increase their revenues. It reaffirms PM's commitment to cooperative federalism.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 3, 2016

Passage of #GST by parliament would be a game changer and make India stronger.

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) August 3, 2016

Many congratulations to @narendramodi Ji & @arunjaitley Ji for the passage of the #GST bill. It will ease the burden of taxes on people.

— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) August 3, 2016

Passage of GST Bill is a historic day for economy. Fact that almost all parties supported biggest tax reform reflects strength of democracy.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 3, 2016

The end of multiple taxation era through #GST will ultimately benefit the consumers. It will also ensure transparency in the system.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 3, 2016

Congratulations to visionary leadership of @NarendraModi & @arunjaitley on the passing of #GSTBill by the Parliament pic.twitter.com/xANz1hEQmr

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) August 3, 2016

Congratulations to India for historic GST reform! Extraordinary achievement by Shri @narendramodi ji and Shri @arunjaitley ji

— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) August 3, 2016

Congress Leaders are Still Doubtful

While talking about the bill in the Parliament, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram thanked the Centre for taking the Opposition’s demands into consideration.

He was however, wary of some of the nuances of the bill. Echoing the same sentiment after the bill was passed, he said:

“They made half a promise, if they will bring it as finance bill or money bill. I am half satisfied,” Chidambaram said.

Still doubt it to be a money bill. FM has assured us that he will talk to us before passing it.

Kapil Sibal

(With inputs from ANI.)