GST Council Meeting Sparks Row As Sharad Pawar Faction Questions Maharashtra FM Ajit Pawar’s Absence

A meeting of the GST Council was convened in Delhi on Monday, raising concerns within Maharashtra’s political landscape. Sharad Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), particularly the NCP-SP (Socialist Party), has questioned the absence of Maharashtra’s Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, from the important meeting. The NCP-SP has voiced its concerns, pointing out that only the finance ministers of states have the authority to speak in such meetings, and Ajit Pawar’s absence could send the wrong message to the public.

The NCP-SP made its concerns public through its official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle, where it emphasised the significance of the GST Council for the growth and development of each state. They noted that a large portion of the GST collected in India comes from Maharashtra, making the state’s representation in the council meeting all the more important. The 54th meeting of the GST Council, which has just begun, is set to discuss several crucial issues, including a decision on GST rates for health insurance premiums, a matter closely watched by many.

“The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting is a crucial one for the development of every state. A large portion of GST from the country goes to the Centre from Maharashtra. Only the Finance Minister has the right to speak at this meeting. In such a situation, what message will be conveyed to the public by sending a different representative to this important meeting,” the NCP(SP) questioned on X.

In its statement, the NCP-SP expressed disappointment over Ajit Pawar’s absence, especially given the pressing financial issues that Maharashtra has been facing. The party emphasised that the state is currently grappling with various problems, and there is a significant shortfall in funding for new projects announced by the state government. The GST refund, which is crucial for the state’s development, was one of the key issues the finance minister was expected to address at the council.

The NCP-SP questioned the appropriateness of sending another minister, namely the Minister for Child Development, to the meeting, in place of the finance minister. They argued that this substitution may not serve the state’s interests, as only finance ministers have the right to speak and negotiate at the GST Council.

Sharad Pawar’s faction warned that Ajit Pawar’s absence from such a critical meeting could lead to negative perceptions among the public, potentially harming the state’s interests.