GST has left 'economy in misery,' govt trying to save face: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday alleged that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had "failed"+ and left "the economy in misery."

"GST has failed due to structural irregularities, leaving the economy in misery & Modi & Co trying to save face," the party tweeted.

The party expressed doubts about the benefits of the GST changes that were announced on Friday+ . These recommendations are expected to give relief to small and medium businesses on filing and payment of taxes.

"The planned relief package is said to ease the burdensome tax compliance of the current law, however, one remains skeptical about the degree of relief that will be provided to the small traders," it said.

This was an indirect dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comment that Friday's "recommendations will immensely help small and medium business."

The Congress claimed that PM Modi was in damage-control mode after "the complete economic narrative (had) turned against the one crafted by his government."

The party accused the government of "a lack of planning while rolling out the GST."

"As a result, Mr. Modi and his entourage are left in a state of panic, trying to save face somehow," it charged.