Tensions flared in Parliament as TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee clashed with Nirmala Sitharaman on GST’s impact on common folk. Post-debate, Banerjee unleashed a detailed X post, countering accusations of distorting facts and exposing what he calls the tax system’s cruel ironies.
He thanked the minister for listening but urged her to heed Bengal’s cries for delayed central funds in key welfare schemes. Diving into specifics, Banerjee clarified GST exemptions don’t reach the needy.
Fresh milk escapes tax, yet powdered alternatives for budget-strapped families incur 5%. Educational aids like notebooks and crayons draw 12%, hitting schoolchildren hard. In healthcare, life-saving items—oxygen, insulin, anesthesia—carry levies from 5-12%.
The post peaked with a poignant critique: funeral services are free of GST, but mourners pay 5% on incense. ‘New India prices even sorrow,’ Banerjee mocked. He cataloged further anomalies—baby nutrition (5%), infant diapers (18%), school supplies (12%), internet services (18%), medicines (5%)—plus hefty fuel excises.
Sitharaman had rebutted, affirming zero GST on milk, school education, books, pencils, health services since launch, insurance post-reforms, and funerals always. Her retort alluded to Bengal’s supposed syndicate culture extorting at every turn, including death.
Banerjee’s riposte has ignited online buzz, framing GST as regressive and reigniting calls for reform to shield the underprivileged from indirect taxes.