The Tripura Pradesh Congress (PCC) today accused the BJP government of using welfare schemes to advance hidden political agendas.

During a press conference in Agartala, PCC spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty criticized the central government over recent GST restructuring, claiming that the 2017 GST law, introduced under the BJP as “One Nation, One Tax,” has disproportionately burdened the poor, farmers, and economically weaker sections. He noted that nearly ₹55 lakh crore has been collected since the tax’s introduction, while the recent relief measures totaling ₹2.5 lakh crore, he said, are “only a small bandage on a deep wound.”

Chakraborty questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement of GST restructuring would meaningfully benefit citizens. He highlighted that while GST has been fully waived for medicines treating 33 rare diseases, price reductions are not guaranteed, as most of these drugs are imported. Similarly, although the GST on general medical supplies has been reduced from 12% to 5%, guidance on price adjustments for existing products remains unclear.

The Congress also raised concerns over GST exemptions under health insurance, noting that insurance companies continue to charge premiums while delaying claims, leaving customers with minimal benefits.

Pointing to rising prices of essential commodities in Tripura, Chakraborty cited mustard oil rising from ₹160–165 per liter to ₹200, masoor dal from ₹115 to ₹140, and sugar from ₹48 to ₹55. He questioned the timing of the GST reforms if they were genuinely intended to help the public.

The party also referred to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s admission that India’s poverty rate has surpassed levels seen during the British era, suggesting that recent GST relief measures might instead favor domestic corporations in the wake of U.S. tariffs.

Concluding the press briefing, the PCC claimed that under Modi’s tenure, only around one percent of the population has truly benefited, urging citizens across all religions and communities to unite against policies they believe could harm the nation.