Kejriwal attacks BJP on 18% GST on packaged paratha

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, attacked the BJP in his most recent jab by using the most recent verdict of the Gujarat Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling.

“Parathas are different from plain chapati or roti and said even the British did not impose taxes on food items”, Kejriwal said.

According to the ruling, parathas are subject to an 18% GST. A food manufacturer filed an appeal against the 18% GST on packed parathas, which led to the new verdict in September. Similar decisions have been made by the relevant state authorities because the issue of the 18% GST on parathas continued to be divisive and several appeals were filed.

Sharing a news item on the ruling, Kejriwal wrote, “Even the British did not impose tax on food items. The biggest reason for inflation in the country today is the high GST levied by the central government. It should be reduced and people should get rid of inflation.”

According to the company that filed the appeal, it makes eight different kinds of packaged paratha, with wheat flour serving as the primary ingredient in certain versions and veggies like radish and potato in others.

The appellant said pizza bread, Rusk, and toasted bread are under 5% GST and while readymade parathas are under 18%, pizza bread is also not ready to eat and requires cooking. The ruling said that packaged paratha can’t attract the same GST of packaged chapati as chapatis are ready-to-eat and their ingredients are also different.

This occurs at a time when the BJP and the AAP are at odds over the upcoming Gujarat state election. In response to criticism of his “abusive” remarks, Gopal Italia, the AAP’s Gujarat chief, was held in Delhi on Thursday, but released later.