Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur questions Opposition for raising GST issue in Rajya Sabha and not in GST Council

Without naming anyone, Anurag Thakur also criticised some Opposition leaders for creating doubts among the public regarding COVID-19 vaccines and the Agnipath scheme.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on July 21 took on the Opposition parties for protesting against Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential items, in Parliament, saying they should have raised the matter in the GST Council instead.

Rajya Sabha as well as Lok Sabha have been witnessing loud protests by Opposition parties, including the Congress, over several issues ranging from price rise to levy of GST on daily essentials to the Agnipath scheme, resulting in a literal washout of proceedings during the first three days of the Monsoon session.

GST from July 18 on pre-packed, labelled food items, hospital rooms above ₹5000

"They [representatives of non-BJP State governments] go to GST Council meeting and do not voice their concerns, but come here to protest and show placards," Mr. Thakur said while replying to supplementary queries on whether the government is taking action against false propaganda carried on social media as well as by some elected representatives.

Without naming anyone, he also criticised some Opposition leaders for creating doubts among the public regarding COVID-19 vaccines and the Agnipath scheme. He said despite this, 200 crore vaccine doses have been already administered.

He stated that certain elected members and former public representatives are engaged in creating confusion regarding GST on essential items, COVID vaccination and Agnipath scheme for recruitment in armed forces.