The Madhya Pradesh Congress, under the leadership of Jitu Patwari, has announced a state-wide protest on September 26-27 in response to the government’s decision to eliminate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on beef. This move, which has been implemented through a recent gazette notification by the state’s Commercial Tax Department, has sparked outrage among Congress leaders.
Patwari, speaking to the press in Bhopal on September 23rd, criticized the central and state governments for what he called a pro-export stance. He asserted that the Congress party strongly opposes the decision, viewing it as a means to encourage the beef trade.
During the press conference with priests, Patwari accused the government of making contradictory statements regarding cow protection while simultaneously allowing the slaughter of cows. He declared that the Congress would not allow cows to be slaughtered or beef to be exported under any circumstances.
He further alleged that the BJP exploits the cow for political gain while failing to uphold its protection, highlighting the fact that India is a significant exporter of beef. Patwari also criticized the state government, accusing it of being influenced by the mafia.
He reiterated Rahul Gandhi’s previous criticism of GST as ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ and claimed that policies such as demonetization and GST have primarily benefited the wealthy.
Patwari demanded the return of the revenue collected due to the zero percent GST on beef over the past eight years and vowed to expose those he deemed ‘fake cow devotees.’ The Congress party plans to organize a movement that includes visits to all cow shelters, and they will bring stray cows from the streets to the collector’s office.
In response, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma refuted Patwari’s claims, saying he did not find such provision in the GST list. He alleged that the Congress party is working with cow smugglers and that those involved in cow slaughter will be jailed.
Sharma also stated that the BJP government had passed a law in 2004 to prevent cow slaughter and criticized the Congress for not condemning cow slaughter.