Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of planning to raise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on clothing priced above ₹1500 from 12% to 18%..
He criticized the proposed hike as an unfair burden on the poor and middle-class families, arguing that it prioritizes the interests of wealthy capitalists over ordinary citizens.
Expressing his concerns on social media platform X, Gandhi described the GST as a “Gabbar Singh Tax,” suggesting that the government’s policies disproportionately affect the common people.
He pointed out that income tax collections have been rising faster than corporate tax collections, which he claimed reflects the government’s favoritism toward capitalists. He added that the GST increase comes at a particularly sensitive time, during the wedding season, when families are already stretching their budgets.
“This is a grave injustice,” Gandhi remarked. “Taxing the hard-earned money of poor and middle-class families to provide tax breaks and forgive massive debts of billionaires is unacceptable.” He assured the public that the Congress party would firmly oppose the hike, pledging to pressure the government into reconsidering the decision.
The issue of increased taxes has also been highlighted by Congress MP Manickam Tagore, who recently moved a motion in the Lok Sabha against the government’s decision to impose an 18% GST on shop rentals. Tagore condemned the move, calling it regressive and warning that it would increase operational costs for shopkeepers, leading to higher prices for consumers. He referred to a survey by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which revealed that 72% of shopkeepers reported declining sales due to rising costs. Tagore urged the government to explore alternative measures to support small businesses rather than imposing additional taxes.
The proposed GST changes have sparked widespread concern, with critics warning of their potential to increase consumer costs, worsen inflation, and place additional financial strain on small businesses. Gandhi emphasized that these policies would only deepen economic inequality, reiterating his commitment to fight against what he described as unjust taxation.
