Trinamool backing to GST Bill gives breather to govt

In our manifestos in 2009, 2011 and 2014, we had committed to support the GST: Derek O' Brien

The government could breathe easy on the constitutional amendment Bill for a  GST (goods and services tax) in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) pledging its support to the key economic reform, even as several Opposition parties, including the Congress, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Left, are sticking to the demand to refer it to a standing committee.

“The standing committee and select committee have already taken a view on the measure. So, there is no point sending it again to them,” Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’ Brien said, when asked about the party’s stand on the issue.

He said the government has promised compensation to states due to the rollout of GST.

“In our manifestos in 2009, 2011 and 2014, we had committed to support the GST. West Bengal is a high consumption state in terms of liquor, tobacco, petroleum,” he said, making it clear the TMC will back the government on the issue.

On April 26, when the Bill was moved in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, members of the Congress, led by party President Sonia Gandhi, along with those of TMC, Left and NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) had staged a walkout after their plea for referring the Constitution amendment Bill to the standing committee was not accepted.

TMC’s protest was, however, on the technicalities and not on the content of the Bill.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the BJD also opposed its consideration but did not walk out. The Congress has been trying to reach out to these two to make a common cause.

BJD leader Bhartuhari Mahatab said his party was firm in the demand to refer it to the select committee as it was a “new Bill” with a number of new provisions which had not been deliberated so far.

Besides, he said the BJD had also given certain amendments on issues related to tobacco and minerals.