AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said that new GST reforms may boost consumption, but criticised the overhaul, arguing that it would not help the common man. He added that similar rhetoric seen in the last 11 years had failed to improve people’s lives.
Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said, “All the rhetoric and dialogue that we have seen in the last 11 years have not helped the common man.”
He further expressed concern that the reforms would trouble states, stressing that they should either be compensated or brought under a cess.
#WATCH | On Centre saying #GST reforms will increase consumption, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, “All the rhetoric and dialogue that we have seen in the last 11 years have not helped the common man…” pic.x.com/9RHXKxkz0S
— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2025
Terming it a transformative step for India’s economy, business leaders have lauded the Centre’s approval of a simplified GST structure. The rates have been reduced on nearly 400 items by the GST Council. The GST Council has consolidated the taxes into two main slabs of 5% and 18%, a reform the government has termed “Next-Gen GST”.
Taking to social media platform X, Anand Mahindra said that the GST reforms will drive consumption and investment, which in turn will strengthen the economy and India’s global standing.
Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, echoed the sentiment, noting that the new GST regime would enhance ease of living and accelerate economic growth.
Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, called the decision “extremely progressive” and well-timed, saying it would “help boost both demand and sentiment.”
In an apparent reference to steep US tariffs under President Donald Trump, she added: “When the world pushes us into a corner, we push ourselves to fight back harder.”
Chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday, THE GST Council announced sweeping reforms in the country’s tax structure, cutting levies on around 400 items, ranging from soaps, talcum powder and hair oils to ACs, small cars and stationery goods.
The Council has removed two slabs – 28 per cent and 12 per cent and transferred several items to the remaining 18 per cent and 5 per cent slabs. In a significant move, the GST Council has exempted Health and life insurance, life-saving medicines and a few other items from the GST, while a special 40 per cent slab has been introduced for “sin goods” and luxury items.
On September 22, the new GST rates will come into force.