Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest address to the nation has sparked a fresh wave of political debate, as he hailed the government’s recently announced ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ — a nationwide initiative highlighting savings and consumer benefits under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. While the ruling NDA celebrated the campaign as a step toward economic empowerment, opposition parties dismissed it as a mere ‘band-aid’ solution to India’s larger financial challenges.
The GST Bachat Utsav Initiative
Launched with much fanfare, the GST Bachat Utsav is designed to raise awareness among citizens about how GST reforms have simplified taxation and contributed to lowering prices of essential goods. PM Modi, in his address, claimed that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to making consumer life more affordable and transparent.
He emphasized that GST has not only brought uniformity across states but has also improved compliance, expanded the tax base, and strengthened India’s financial system. “This is not just about tax reforms,” Modi said. “This is about ensuring that every family experiences savings in their daily lives.”
NDA’s Praise for Modi’s Address
Leaders from the NDA coalition quickly rallied behind the Prime Minister’s message. BJP spokespersons described the GST Bachat Utsav as a “festival of savings” that showcases the government’s dedication to people-centric reforms.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted how GST has reduced cascading taxes and provided stability to businesses. She added that increased compliance has boosted revenues, enabling the government to spend more on welfare schemes.
Several NDA allies echoed this sentiment, with JD(U) and Shiv Sena leaders praising Modi’s ability to connect reforms to everyday life. They argued that the address reaffirmed the NDA’s image as a government that delivers on promises.
Opposition’s Sharp Criticism
In stark contrast, opposition parties criticized both the campaign and Modi’s speech. The Congress party dismissed the initiative as a “public relations exercise”, arguing that GST, in its current form, has harmed small traders and left many sectors struggling.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “The GST rollout was poorly planned, and today, calling it a festival of savings is nothing but propaganda. Ordinary citizens are facing unemployment, high inflation, and rural distress. A campaign will not fix structural economic problems.”
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the criticism, with its spokesperson labeling the move a “band-aid fix”. They insisted that issues like falling consumption and growing inequality cannot be masked by promotional events.
Experts Weigh In
Economists remain divided on the matter. Some argue that GST has indeed streamlined the taxation process and increased transparency, while others caution that its uneven implementation has created hardships for small businesses.
Dr. Ananya Singh, an economist from Delhi University, noted:
“The GST Bachat Utsav might help build confidence and raise awareness, but what India really needs is structural reforms to address job creation and boost investment. Without tackling those challenges, consumer savings campaigns will have limited impact.”
Public Reaction
The public’s response has been mixed. While some citizens welcomed the idea of GST-related savings being highlighted, others expressed skepticism. Social media hashtags around #GSTBachatUtsav trended briefly, with NDA supporters celebrating the campaign, while critics used the platform to question rising fuel and food prices.
Political Messaging Ahead of Elections
Analysts suggest that the PM Modi GST Bachat Utsav address also carries political significance. With several state elections on the horizon, the NDA is keen to highlight its achievements on economic reforms. The campaign allows the government to counter opposition narratives that paint the economy as being in distress.
On the other hand, opposition parties see this as an opportunity to sharpen their criticism of Modi’s economic policies, portraying them as inadequate and disconnected from ground realities.
Conclusion
The GST Bachat Utsav and PM Modi’s address have once again polarized India’s political landscape. For the NDA, it is a chance to showcase reforms as citizen-friendly and transformative. For the opposition, it is yet another example of style over substance.
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: GST remains one of the most consequential reforms in India’s recent history, but its perception — whether as a tool for empowerment or a source of hardship — depends largely on which side of the political aisle one listens to.