Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday announced changes made to the GST rates of certain goods. What found prominence among netizens was undoubtedly Khakra, whose GST was reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's move to purportedly woo all things Gujarati was highlighted on social media with 'Khakra' the medium by storm.
While the Union Minister announced GST cut on various things including Mangoes sliced dried, Khakra and plain chapati or roti, Food preparations put up in unit containers and intended for free distribution to economically weaker sections of the society under a programme duly approved by the Central Government or any State Government, Khakra went on to become netizens' favourite.
I'm really not sure how to refer to the khakra ref. Sindhi in me wondering if papad included. Telugu in me wants to know if Muruku counts. https://t.co/0vF7Le9DYP
— Maya Mirchandani (@maya206) October 6, 2017
Gujarati friends after knowing that khakra became sasta! #GSTCouncilMeet #GST pic.twitter.com/0KmNB3ZSgh
— Nikhil Wad (@nikhilswad) October 7, 2017
Memes, GIFs on Khakras have been flooding social media timelines since the announcement on Friday. While many tweets were in good jest, netizens also raised pertinent questions over commodities that should have been considered for a GST cut. For days the country witnessed protests and backlash demanding rollback of GST on sanitary aides. This time around too, netizens made it a point to hightlight that essential commodities were not being given relief.
While Khakra is an essential commodity you need to have every month,period is something u can buy optionally.
— Mahima Thakur (@MahimaT2017) October 7, 2017
So no GST reduction on pads.
Moral of revolutionary GST story: throw khakra, win election
— Sridhar V (@sritara) October 6, 2017
The "Why not other foods?" question became the most common. Many people also highlighted how the efforts of the government seemed to be intended towards wooing the Gujarati community than providing largescale relief to citizens across the country. The fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an urgent meeting with BJP national President Amit Shah and Union minister Arun Jaitley a day prior to the GST council added to the criticism.
GST on #khakra is down from 12% to 5%. I think it’s time Idiyappam and luchi protested 😏 #GujaratBias
— Poulomi Saha (@PoulomiMSaha) October 6, 2017
The Khakra industry is huge. Almost every home in Dombivali sells home made khakras. 12% to 5% is going to make world of a difference.
— Nirav Mehta (@EkCupCoffee) October 7, 2017
Many attempted to look at the brighter side of GST reduction of Khakra, calling it a 'huge relief for those in the business of manufacturing Khakra'. Tweets oozed mockery, sarcasm and some genuine appreciation for the government's move.
Off to buy khakra, sliced dried mango, unbranded Ayurvedic medicine and diesel engine parts now that GST on these items has come down.
— Anant Rangaswami (@AnantRangaswami) October 7, 2017
Elections are around the corner in Gujarat and netizens made it a point to highlight how evident the government had made its attempt to appeal to the state and its voters. Gujarat has been seeing huge protests against the GST threatening to dent the BJP's prospects. Friday's GST changes bring much needed relief to small traders- a huge chunk of Gujarati voters.
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