BJP launches ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ in state, deputy CM meets traders and consumers

Patna: In a bid to connect with consumers and highlight its pro-people policies ahead of the state assembly elections due in Oct-Nov, the BJP will celebrate ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ across state this week, following the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of reduced GST rates on essential commodities, effective from Monday.After launching the initiative in Patna, senior BJP leader and deputy CM Samrat Choudhary on Monday interacted with the shopkeepers and consumers. Throughout the week, BJP representatives and office-bearers will visit markets across the state to spread awareness about the benefits of the tax cuts and reinforce the NDA govt's image as consumer-friendly and responsive to public needs.CM Nitish Kumar also thanked PM Narendra Modi on this occasion. In his post on X on Monday, Nitish said, “Today, on the first day of Navratri, new GST (Goods and Services Tax) rates are being implemented across the country... On behalf of the people of Bihar, I thank the Prime Minister for this GST rate reform. This reform will benefit people. For the common man, everyday items will now be cheaper, and they will have to spend less to purchase essential goods. The implementation of these new GST rates will increase the country's GDP, and people from all walks of life, especially the lower and middle classes, will receive significant relief.”Union minister and LJP (RV) chief Chirag Paswan said the GST reforms are another strong step towards a self-reliant India “under the visionary leadership of PM Modi”.He said the GST 2.0 reforms have reduced taxes on essential commodities to 0% or 5%, reducing household expenses, providing relief to the common man, and fair prices to farmers, besides a simplified system for small businesses. “This is not just a tax reform, but a symbol of a comprehensive vision that engages every Indian and strengthens the resolve for a self-reliant India,” Chirag said.BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal said his party is fully prepared for the elections. “All of us must work for the victory of the BJP and the NDA. The BJP operates on the principle of the party being greater than the individual, and the state and country being greater than the party,” he said.