TMC backs Modi govt on GST Bill

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday came out in strong support of the government's ambitious Goods and Service Tax (GST) Bill, being scrutinised by a Parliamentary committee, saying the measure is "good for the states, good for the Centre and good for the nation". "GST is a commitment we have made in our manifesto. We believe the Bill should be passed in the monsoon session," Trinamool leader Derek O'Brien told PTI.

The support from West Bengal's ruling party is significant, as the Modi government is keen to see the Bill being adopted by the Rajya Sabha committee at the earliest so it could be considered by the Upper House of Parliament in the coming session beginning July 21.

The committee is meeting on July 17, when it is expected to wind up discussion and consider adoption, possibly in another meeting, sources said. According to sources, the Bill is likely to sail through in the 21-member Select Committee as Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) are the only two parties strongly opposing it. The Congress, which has moved 10 amendments, is likely to give a dissent note in case the Bill is adopted, sources said.

Of the provisions being opposed by the Congress relates to the GST Council which provides for one-third representation of the Centre. It wants dilution to make it one-fourth of the Council. Trinamool is on the government's side, the sources said. The panel might endorse a majority of existing clauses in this long-pending Bill, except for the provisions about compensation to states and the composition of the GST Council, with a diluted Central role.