Despite GST backlash, BJP heading to win almost all Surat seats

Despite facing significant opposition, BJP has managed to retain most of its seats in Surat.

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax Act (GST) was a significant poll issue in Surat which is the hub of the trader community, holding almost 14 percent of the vote in the state.

However, there was resentment over the BJP ’s unified tax that caused a major impact on their businesses.

Following the GST implementation on July 1, several traders' organisations held protest rallies including the most significant one in Surat.

Subsequently, the Centre reduced GST on yarn to 12% from 18%, increased basic customs duty by 25% to curb the import of undervalued fabrics from China, and relieved the filing of GST returns. The tax rates were also cut on artificial filament yarn such as viscose and rayon along with yarn of man-made staple fibres.

Many relief measures were brought in for exporters and GST got waived for the micro-irrigation equipment also.

Even though Congress tried to capitalise on their resentment with President Rahul Gandhi coining the phrase - Gabbar Singh Tax for GST, the party didn’t succeed but the battle, in the end, was very close with BJP.