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MK Stalin Claims States Bear Half the GST Relief
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has accused the central government of delaying promised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts and said that states are bearing 50% of the relief intended for taxpayers.
On “Rs 2.5 Lakh Crore” Savings Claim
Stalin questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement that Indians will save ₹2.5 lakh crore due to GST reform and income-tax relief. He argued that these reforms are overdue and that families would have benefited earlier if implemented in past years.
States’ Burden and Funding Delay
According to Stalin, states are shouldering half of the fiscal load that should be borne by the Union. He also alleged that funds due to states — including for education schemes like Samagra Shiksha — are being withheld, particularly targeting states that resist Hindi imposition.
Centre’s Response
BJP leaders have rejected Stalin’s claims. They contend that GST reforms have expanded the tax base and increased states’ GST revenues. They deny that states are carrying undue burden or being punished.
What’s Next
The GST changes were implemented from September 22, 2025, under a two-slab structure replacing the earlier multiple slabs. States and opposition parties continue to debate whether the relief is fairly distributed and whether states will need budget adjustments to cope with their share of cost.
