Final decision on GST bill will be taken after discussion within Congress committee: Ahmed Patel

NEW DELHI: Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, on Sunday said his party’s final decision on the GST bill will be taken after discussion within the Congress strategy committee and consultations with like-minded parties. The Congress is keen that the government responds positively “to all the three conditions” the party has set for backing the legislation — fixing 18% cap on GST rate, scrapping 1% inter-state tax and establishing an independent dispute mechanism within GST council.

A group comprising Congress leaders in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will hold deliberations with the government on the issue. “Final decision will be taken after discussions between strategy committee and party leaders. We’ll also consult like-minded parties: Ahmed Patel,” the Congress tweeted after the senior party functionary made the comment on the issue in Gujarat during the day. “The Congress has three conditions regarding the GST bill.

If government satisfies them, we will cooperate: Ahmed Patel,” added the AICC tweet. Underlining consultations with like-minded parties shows the Congress’ determination to ensure larger floor coordination on the issue, people familiar with the matter said. Congress leaders told ET that after the talks held by PM Narendra Modi and finance minister Arun Jaitley with Sonia Gandhi and ex-PM Manmohan Singh on Friday night, the Congress is yet to formulate its stand.

“Just as the government representatives have promised to discuss our point of view among themselves, the senior Congress leaders will also discuss the government’s view among ourselves,” said Anand Sharma, Congress’ deputy leader in the RS. “We are for a GST, an inclusive and pro-industry and pro-consumer GST. There is no need to rush,” he said.