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The article revolves around the political fallout of Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices issued to small traders in Karnataka. M. Lakshmana, a spokesperson for the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has squarely placed the blame on the central government, arguing that the GST framework falls under its jurisdiction. This assertion serves as the core argument in the Congress party's response to the situation. The timing of this blame-shifting is significant, given the upcoming elections and the sensitive nature of taxation policies, especially concerning small businesses. Lakshmana's statement emphasizes that while the Commercial Tax Department operates under the state government, the directives for issuing these notices originated from the Centre, operating under the GST Act implemented in 2017. This distinction attempts to shield the state government from direct criticism and aims to redirect public scrutiny towards the ruling party at the national level. The Congress party is attempting to frame the GST notices as a deliberate attempt to harass small traders, potentially orchestrated by the BJP-led central government. This narrative aligns with the party's broader strategy of portraying the BJP as insensitive to the concerns of small businesses and the working class. The Congress party's support for the agitating small traders is not merely a gesture of solidarity; it's a calculated political move to consolidate their support base, especially among this economically vulnerable segment of the population. By publicly siding with the traders and accusing the BJP of spreading misinformation, the Congress seeks to position itself as the champion of the common man against perceived injustices perpetrated by the central government. Lakshmana's challenge to BJP leaders to clarify their stance on the notices underscores the Congress's strategy to keep the issue in the public eye and force the BJP to defend its position. The reference to Section 22 of the GST Act, which stipulates that suppliers of goods are liable to register under the Act if their aggregate turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh in a financial year, indicates an attempt to highlight the potential burden on small traders who may struggle to comply with these regulations. Furthermore, the article invokes Rahul Gandhi's earlier criticism of GST as the 'Gabbar Singh Tax', harking back to a well-established critique that the GST regime disproportionately impacts the poor. By reminding the public of Rahul Gandhi's warnings, the Congress party seeks to reinforce the perception that the GST is fundamentally flawed and detrimental to the interests of ordinary citizens. Lakshmana's demand for a clarification from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects the Congress's intention to elevate the issue to the highest levels of government and hold the top leadership accountable for the perceived injustices. This move also serves to amplify the visibility of the issue and ensures that it remains a topic of national conversation. Lakshmana's criticism of Joint Commissioner of Commercial Taxes Meera Pandit, characterizing her as an 'IRS officer' and an 'employee of the Union government', further underscores the Congress party's attempt to attribute responsibility for the GST notices to the central government. By dismissing her statement as 'misleading' and emphasizing that 'It is not our tax. It is Centre’s tax', Lakshmana attempts to create a clear demarcation between the state government and the controversial GST policy. The article also touches upon the Congress party's campaign against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), stemming from the Supreme Court's critical remarks regarding the alleged misuse of the ED in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife. This element of the article reveals the Congress party's broader concerns about the perceived politicization of investigative agencies and their use as tools to target political opponents. The Congress party's decision to display 'Satyameva Jayate' placards, claiming victory against the BJP's alleged attempts to foist a false case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife, indicates a defiant posture and a determination to fight back against what they perceive as political persecution. Lakshmana's claim that the Supreme Court's observations should bring 'shame' to the ED, and his announcement that the Congress party will devise a plan of action to create awareness among the general public about the misuse of the ED by the BJP, signal a concerted effort to challenge the legitimacy of the agency and expose what they allege is its political bias. The linking of the GST issue with the ED controversy suggests a broader narrative being constructed by the Congress party, one that portrays the BJP as employing a range of tactics, from flawed economic policies to the manipulation of investigative agencies, to suppress dissent and undermine its political opponents. The narrative is one of the central government overreaching and misusing its power against state governments and ordinary citizens. The article showcases the Congress party proactively seizing an opportunity to critique the central government’s policies and actions. This approach is vital for opposition parties aiming to regain public trust and political relevance. It illustrates a deliberate strategy to mobilize public sentiment against the perceived wrongdoings of the ruling party and to position itself as the defender of the interests of the common citizen. The issue of GST notices to small traders has become a focal point of contention, reflecting the broader political tensions between the Congress-led state government and the BJP-led central government. The political ramifications of this issue are likely to extend beyond the immediate context of Karnataka, potentially influencing the national political landscape in the lead-up to future elections. The Congress party is likely to leverage this issue to galvanize support across the country, especially among small businesses and those who feel burdened by the GST regime. The article highlights the intricate interplay of economic policy, political maneuvering, and public perception in shaping the political landscape of India. The Congress party's approach to the GST issue, its campaign against the ED, and its overall strategy of challenging the BJP's dominance reflect the ongoing struggle for political power and the competing narratives that define Indian politics. The article underscores the importance of understanding the underlying motivations and strategies of political actors in order to fully grasp the complexities of Indian politics and the challenges facing the country in its pursuit of economic growth and social justice. The political climate is heated with both parties vying for power and influence, particularly with elections on the horizon. Lakshmana, as a KPCC spokesperson, serves as a key messenger delivering the party's position and criticisms against their political opponents. The Congress party aims to present a unified front against the BJP, actively pushing back against perceived injustices and defending the interests of their constituents. The interplay between state and central governments regarding tax policies creates significant political challenges, particularly when the two entities are controlled by opposing political parties. This creates tension and accusations, further deepening the political divide. The Congress seeks to capitalize on public discontent regarding the GST policy, potentially leveraging this to improve their electoral prospects. The article provides insights into the political tactics and strategies employed by both the Congress and BJP in the Indian political arena, illustrating the competitive landscape of Indian politics and their battle for dominance.
Source: Congress leader Lakshmana blames Centre for GST notice on petty traders in Karnataka