The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a nationwide campaign to highlight the government’s new round of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, coinciding with the start of the festive season. Senior leaders fanned out across markets and public spaces on Monday to explain the benefits of what the party has called the “next-generation GST reforms” and to promote the ongoing “GST Savings Festival.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, announced the rollout of the reforms, saying they would ease compliance, lower taxes on essential goods, and provide relief to households. He described the initiative as a “double bonanza” during the festival period and also used the occasion to underline the importance of adopting Swadeshi products.
In what was seen as a parallel message to Washington, he said India must rely on domestic strength at a time when the United States has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods and raised visa fees for H-1B workers to USD 100,000. The same subtle message was delivered by cabinet ministers as they favoured shift to swadeshi products. If the message percolates during the festive seasons then US companies could feel the pinch, hence a message to Trump administration.
At home front, the message was also for the middle class, which has largely supported the BJP despite facing hardships. After allowing Rs 1 lakh tax-free income in the Budget, this is the second benefit for the aspirational class. Coming ahead of Bihar elections, this has additional poll message.
In Delhi, BJP president J.P. Nadda interacted with traders and shopkeepers in Amar Colony market. He urged them to ensure GST benefits reach consumers and to stock more Indian-made goods. “Swadeshi products carry the hard work of India’s youth and the fragrance of our soil,” Nadda said, while shopkeepers pledged to pass on GST reductions to buyers.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, described the reforms as “historic” and said they would directly benefit middle-class families. He cited examples of reduced prices on items ranging from kitchen essentials to consumer durables, arguing that this would boost consumption and add significantly to GDP growth.
According to Vaishnaw, the reforms simplify processes for MSMEs, streamline input tax credits, and make dispute resolution easier. He contrasted current GST rates with those during the UPA era, highlighting reductions on items such as cement, sanitary pads, footwear, and household appliances.
The BJP has framed the initiative as part of its broader economic reform agenda. While the party projects the reforms as a relief measure for consumers and a growth driver for the economy, it has also sharpened its emphasis on Swadeshi and self-reliance, linking tax relief at home with resilience against protectionist moves abroad.
