New Delhi — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will roll out a nationwide campaign titled the “GST Savings Festival” from September 22 to 29, aiming to strengthen grassroots connections with traders, shopkeepers, and the public.
As part of the initiative, all BJP Members of Parliament have been instructed to lead pad yatras in markets across their constituencies. Through these foot marches, the party seeks to highlight the benefits of the Goods and Services Tax, projecting it as a tool for savings, transparency, and economic growth.
The campaign, strategically timed ahead of the festive season, will witness active participation from party leaders and workers in multiple states. The BJP hopes that direct interaction with small business owners will not only raise awareness about GST but also reinforce its pro-trader and pro-commerce image.
The move comes soon after the 56th GST Council meeting, where rates were rationalised into two major slabs — 5 per cent and 18 per cent. Essential goods and services like dairy products, kitchen items, agricultural equipment, handicrafts, and medical kits now fall under the 5 per cent slab, while the 18 per cent slab covers automobiles, consumer electronics, household goods, and professional services.
Luxury and sin goods, including tobacco, pan masala, sugary beverages, luxury cars, yachts, and high-end motorcycles above 350 cc, continue to attract a steep 40 per cent GST. Meanwhile, crucial sectors like healthcare, education, and life insurance remain exempt.
By linking the GST reforms to on-the-ground outreach, the BJP is looking to frame the tax as a public-friendly measure and anchor it in its broader economic messaging.
