Con(g)flict over GST

The schism within the Congress over GST came to the fore when Punjab Chief Minister refused to toe the party’s line of opposition. The praise Capt Amarinder Singh heaped on the new tax regime, in contrast to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of a “half-baked” measure, showed that the party high command is out of sync with reality, lacks nuance and foresight, and is now reduced to mouthing mindless rhetoric. Singh, with his ear to the ground, appreciates the positive impact GST would have on his debt-ridden state.

While the country is taking the rough with the smooth in implementing a radical break from the previous taxation system — a transition of this magnitude is rarely without wrinkles — the Congress’s antics of boycotting the midnight session of GST cut no ice with the public. GST has a legacy, as Singh rightly pointed out, which chronicles the efforts of both the Congress and the BJP. By refusing to acknowledge history and whipping up a tempest in a teapot, the grand old party is frittering away whatever little credibility it is left with.

As the biggest opposition party, the Congress has a constructive role to play. Going by its current style of functioning, it seems unequal to the task. Little wonder that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar took a dig at the Congress for failing to set the agenda for the anti-BJP coalition. Since Rahul has failed to gauge the public mood yet again, he should pay closer attention to critics than to cronies.