GST, note ban torpedoed the Indian economy, says Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi met Congress general secretaries to discuss plans for nationwide protests on Nov 8, which will be observed as ‘black day’.

The Congress party on Monday launched another attack on the Narendra Modi government as the latter plans to celebrate November 8, the anniversary of the demonetisation as ‘anti-black money day’.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is expected to discuss plans for nationwide protests on November 8. (PTI)

“The decision of demonetisation was an out-and-out disaster. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is yet not able to understand the pain of the nation,” Gandhi said after a meeting of party general secretaries here.

He also slammed the Centre’s “faulty planning” of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure which “led to job losses and crippled the economy”. The demonetisation was the first torpedo which the country survived, but the second torpedo of GST destroyed it, he added.

Accusing PM Modi for failing to understand the pain of the common people, Gandhi wondered why the NDA government is celebrating the first anniversary of note ban.

“I don't know what is there to celebrate,” said Gandhi.

“The PM is not able to understand the feeling of the people and the hurt and sadness these two decisions have caused,” he remarked after the meeting as the party announced that it will mark November 8 as ‘Black Day’ and that the party will hold fresh protests throughout the country.

“While demonetisation was organised loot and legalised plunder, GST has ended up taking away livelihoods of ordinary people besides shutting down businesses,” Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala quoted Singh as saying.

BJP was quick to retort with minister Giriraj Singh saying, “Rahul Gandhi’s thinking is in the ICU. The UP elections were held after demonetisation and those residing in the state put their stamp of approval in a way, on demonetisation.”