Kolkata, 4 September (H.S.): Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday welcomed the newly announced GST structure by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling it a major relief for citizens ahead of the festive season.

In a statement posted on X, Adhikari said, “Ahead of Durga Puja, the prices of several essential commodities will come down sharply. Complete exemption has been given on GST for life and health insurance. The people-friendly Modi government has made this festive season more joyful.”

Adhikari highlighted that from September 22, the GST regime will operate with only two slabs — 5 percent and 18 percent, while the existing 12 percent and 28 percent rates will be abolished.

He further pointed out that the GST on agricultural products, earlier at 12 percent, has been reduced to 5 percent, while prices of several essential items, including life-saving drugs, will also fall.

Linking the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address, Adhikari said, “Our visionary Prime Minister had promised citizens a gift ahead of the festivals. He has fulfilled that promise. The upcoming celebrations will now be sweeter and more prosperous.”

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the GST cut as her “moral victory.” Reacting soon after Sitharaman’s announcement on Wednesday night, she said, “This is a victory of the people, snatched from a government that only listens under pressure. From the very beginning, I have termed the tax on insurance premiums inhuman and anti-people.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh