The Congress on October 12 flayed the Modi government for reportedly imposing an 18% GST on Ganga river water, terming it as the height of loot and hypocrisy.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertaking a day-long visit to Uttarakhand on October 12, the Congress also asked when will he visit violence-hit Manipur.
"Modi ji, the importance of Mother Ganga, the provider of salvation, is very high for a common Indian from birth till the end of their life. It is good that you are in Uttarakhand today, but your government has imposed 18% GST on the holy Ganga water itself," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X.
"Not even once did you think what would be the burden on those who order Ganga water to be kept in their homes. This is the height of loot and hypocrisy of your government," he also said.
The party also put out an animated video on the situation in Manipur on its social media handle, which showed scenes of bodies lying and the state burning due to violence.
"The country is asking - when will PM Modi go to Manipur," the Congress said.
CBIC clarifies
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has issued a clarification on claims that the government ahs levied 18% GST on Ganga river water.
“Gangajal is used in pooja by households across the country and pooja samagri exempt under the GST,” the release stated.
“GST on pooja samagri was discussed in detail in the 14th and 15th meetings of the GST council held on 18/19 May 2017 and 3rd June 2017 respectively and decided to keep them in the exempt list. Therefore, all these items have been exempt since the introduction of the GST,” the release added.
