"No matter how much Opposition speaks or abuses, people of Bihar won't be misled": Piyush Goyal

Patna (Bihar) [India], September 11 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, on Thursday, targeted the opposition, saying that they have completely failed, and no matter how much Congress leader Rahul Gandhi or RJD leader Tejashwi speak or abuse, the people of Bihar won't be misled.
Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Goyal said, "The Opposition is looking for a reason to defeat us. I strongly condemn Rahul Gandhi for abusing PM Modi's mother. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav that no matter how much you speak or abuse, the people of Bihar won't be misled; the people of Bihar are intelligent.
The row began after a viral video purportedly showed derogatory remarks against PM Modi and his late mother at a rally in Darbhanga during Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar. The Darbhanga Police had arrested the accused person, and an investigation is underway.
Goyal further said that under the leadership of Nitish and PM Modi, the NDA government is ready to serve Bihar, and with full confidence. "The NDA will take Bihar to new heights," he added.
Moreover, Piyush Goyal also praised the new GST reforms, saying that as things become cheaper, demand will increase, and this will lead to a boost in the business industry.
"Recently, the Central government have done the work of making almost every daily item cheaper by making a big change in GST. Toothpaste, oil, clothes, watches, shoes, and stationery for school-going children all have become cheaper...Making many things available at 0% GST," he said.
He further said that there are GST slabs in education, health and insurance facilities. "Today, by making all the things like refrigerators, TVs, and ACs in houses cheap, a new enthusiasm has been brought into the lives of these people; enthusiasm for good things. As things will become cheaper, demand will increase, then business will flourish," he added.
Goyal further stated that due to GST slabs, people will have more employment opportunities, as the availability of cheaper products will increase their demand, leading to an expansion of the industry.
On the government providing employment opportunities, Goyal said that the Central government and state government have given jobs to lakhs of people. "I believe that India is moving towards rapid development, and what is happening is the result of positive thinking. Under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Nitish ji, Bihar is progressing, the country is progressing," he added.
Goyal also extended his wishes to the people of Bihar for the upcoming festivals such as Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja.
Recently, the 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates.
The 5 per cent slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agriculture equipment; handicrafts and small industries; also medical equipment and diagnostic kits.
The 18 per cent slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts.
Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters.
Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance; also, certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI)