Captain Amarinder Singh slams delay in GST

The GST bill was not passed Friday after the Congress stalled its passage in the Rajya Sabha.

Captain Amarinder Singh

IN A stand contrary to his party, Congress’s Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Captain Amarinder Singh, has criticised the delay in the introduction and passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill. He has underlined the importance of the bill for the economic growth of Punjab as well as the entire country.

“Whatever the reasons and the circumstances, the GST should have been allowed to be introduced in Parliament in the Monsoon session to facilitate the way for its eventual passage,” Amarinder said in a statement on Friday.

The GST bill was not passed Friday after the Congress stalled its passage in the Rajya Sabha.

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The former chief minister said GST is very crucial for a state like Punjab, which is reeling under a debt of over Rs 1.25 lakh crore, and is not able to meet its revenue expenditure and its statutory obligations.

Amarinder said Punjab will be the worst-sufferer owing to the delay in the passage of GST, as it is going through a critical economic phase where it does not have enough money even to pay salaries and debts .

“The introduction of the GST, which is the brainchild of the Congress, could have proved mutually beneficial for both the industry as well as the state. On the one hand, it would have streamlined the tax regime and on the other hand, it would have generated additional revenue and resources for the state,” he pointed out while regretting that the state will now have to wait for an uncertain period of time.

This is not for the first time that Amarinder has taken a stand different from his party.

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During the abrogation of river water treaty, when he was Punjab chief minister, he had refused sharing of waters going against the wishes of AICC president Sonia Gandhi.

However, Amarinder did not attend the Lok Sabha session, stating he was busy in Punjab holding rallies to drive home the point that it needed a change of regime.

Amarinder’s statement comes at a time when there are reports that he had recently met BJP chief Amit Shah and was warming up to the BJP.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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