Won’t leave BJP, let it throw me out if it wants, says Yashwant Sinha; slams GST council’s approach

Former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha on Tuesday categorically said he would not leave the BJP but said the party could throw him out if it so desired because of his criticism.

"Why shall I leave BJP? What this party means to me, (it) possibly does not mean to anyone (else). I have given my blood and sweat for this party. From 2004 to 2014, we were fighting against the then ruling party (Congress). "Then some others came. But now that they have come, they must deliver on the promises they made. And if they don't, I will raise those issues whether I'm with them or against them," he said.

He also accused the Narendra Modi government of not fulfilling the promises it had made ahead of the 2014 general elections. Asked whether his criticisms could result in the present BJP government failing to return to power, Sinha said: "Governments are formed to fulfill the promises they made in the election manifesto. But if it is not happening, then it is also a responsibility to bring the party on the right track.

"I'll not leave the party. Why don't you ask them why they aren't expelling me? If I am objecting, it is not that I am doing it now. I have been doing it for a while. Let them throw me out."

Sinha, who held the crucial Finance and External Affairs portfolios in Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's cabinet between 1998 and 2004, said the Rashtra Manch or National Forum floated by him is not an organisation but a movement over the issues which are impacting the country at the moment.

"It is already pan-India since it saw participation of representatives from other political parties, farmers associations and many intellectuals from the country. We are creating ground for the movement and we have to reach the masses to inform them on the issues, so that improvements can be made," he said.

“Completely dismayed by GST council's approach”

Further criticising the Modi government for bringing changes in Goods and Services tax (GST) rates in terms of various items, Sinha said this was not the correct way and that he was "I was completely dismayed by the approach of the GST council led by the Finance Minister. It was up to him to provide leadership.”

"Can anybody tell what are the financial implications of all the changes that have been made in GST? You change the slabs in regards to various items. Where is the financial calculation for this loss or gain?

"In the first meeting of GST Council, the GST for fertiliser was brought down from 18% to 5%. What is fertiliser used for? Is it cow feed or is it eaten by humans? If fertiliser is used in agriculture, why was the GST rate at 18% for fertiliser and then reduced. Because you gain both ways, your idea is to say I am always right. When it was at 18% I am right, even when I reduced it, I am doing a favour," he said.

Sinha also said the new indirect tax system has been made "complicated" and it still a work in progress. "It is unfinished and incomplete. Various amendments are going on in respect to tax rate and procedure and filing," Sinha said," he said.