New Delhi, Jan 1 : Congress on Saturday slammed the union government for continuing inflation, and said price rise is the government’s gift to the people on New Year.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Saturday held a press conference, and said multiple items of daily use have become more expensive.
Taking a cue from BJP’s slogan ‘Modi hai to Mumkin hai’ (Modi can make it possible), Surjewala said “Modi hai to mehngai hai” (If there is Modi, there is price rise).
“On the very first day of 2022, Modi government gave us the gift of inflation. This comes as unemployment is high at about 10 per cent in 2021, Surjewala said.
“As we enter the new year, we should be prepared to spend more money on every item, whether it be items of daily use, consumer goods, or steel, cement and electricity. From everyday clothes to footwear, and even withdrawing money from an ATM is going to be more expensive,” he said.
He slammed government over its plans for increasing GST on textiles from current 5 per cent to 12 per cent, a decision which has been deferred till February 28.
“Due to elections in five states, and after pressure from the opposition, the government deferred the decision. However, they have not cancelled it. As many as 15 lakh people may lose jobs if GST on textile is increased,” he said.
He also mentioned the new rates for ATM transactions, as banks start charging Rs. 21, instead of Rs. 20 for transactions beyond the free transaction limit from January 1. Customers are eligible for five free transactions every month from their own bank ATMs.
He also mentioned cab aggregators like Uber and Ola, and online food delivery and cloud kitchens coming under GST, increase in steel price, among several other factors contributing to price rise.
Surjewala also said people should give the government a befitting response in the upcoming polls in five states for the rising inflation.
