‘GST Was Never Gabbar Singh Tax’: Assam CM Counters Rahul Gandhi, Links It To Rafale, S-400, National Security

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended the Goods and Services Tax (GST), terming it a “God-Sent Tax” in a sharp rebuttal to the Congress party’s long-standing criticism of the tax regime. Referring to key defence procurements like Rafale jets and the S-400 missile systems, Himanta said these were made possible by the strength of India’s taxpayers, underlining the significance of GST in nation-building.

Rafale jets and S-400 systems don’t just appear — they are built on the strength of our taxpayers.
That’s why GST was never a “Gabbar Singh Tax” — it’s a ‘God-Sent Tax’that unites India and funds its security, growth, and resilience.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 9, 2025

“Rafale jets and S-400 systems don’t just appear — they are built on the strength of our taxpayers. That’s why GST was never a ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ — it’s a ‘God-Sent Tax’ that unites India and funds its security, growth, and resilience,” Himanta tweeted on Friday.

The chief minister’s remark comes in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s repeated criticism of the GST regime, particularly his description of it as “Gabbar Singh Tax”. Rahul, in a tweet dated July 1, 2022, had alleged that the BJP government had turned Congress’ proposed “Genuine Simple Tax” into a cumbersome structure detrimental to businesses.

“Congress’ Genuine Simple Tax was turned into Gabbar Singh Tax by the BJP. Six rates, 1,000 plus changes in 1,826 days! Ease? It’s a nightmare to do business, especially for MSMEs,” Rahul Gandhi had said in the tweet. He further added, “Congress will revive business and jobs with GST 2.0 — single, low rate, shared fairly with States,” while using the hashtag #5YearsofGSTMess.

Rahul’s remarks were made as the GST regime completed five years of its implementation on 1 July, 2022. He had argued that the current structure has adversely affected small and medium-sized businesses and accused the BJP-led NDA government of introducing a flawed system that hurt the economy.

Congress has consistently opposed the current form of GST, stating it is “flawed” and has caused significant disruption to businesses and the broader economy.

Himanta’s defence of the GST also comes amid heightened national security tensions. India’s air defence systems this week thwarted two waves of attacks from Pakistan within 48 hours. The incidents occurred shortly after ‘Operation Sindoor’ — a targeted missile strike operation by the Indian armed forces — eliminated nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

On the night of May 7, and again on May 8, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks targeting military installations across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. However, India’s air defence units intercepted the projectiles, while Israeli-made HARPY drones were deployed to disable Pakistani air defence systems.

The Indian military’s successful response, including the neutralisation of targets in Lahore, underscores the strategic significance of investments in defence infrastructure — a point underscored by Himanta in his defence of GST.