BJP will aid govt in taking tough decisions: Gadkari

It's a setback for the already delayed Goods & Services Tax (GST). The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has ruled out finalisation of its report on the GST Constituional Bill in the monsoon session of Parliament.

BJP chief Nitin Gadkari told CNBC-TV18's economic policy editor Siddharth Zarabi that the BJP would call a meeting of its state finance ministers to finalise its stance on GST for the Sinha Panel.
Gadkari added that the BJP would support the government in taking hard economic decisions, provided it reached out to the states. And in a departure from its earlier stance - the BJP has announced that it will not oppose Chidambaram in Parliament.
"It is the duty of the central government and finance ministry to protect the interest of the state government. So, there is no problem. Principally, we are all in favour of it. But the concerns voiced by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are that the Centre should address and solve problems by making whatever use of the legislation."
"We are also going to organise a meeting with our central core committee leadership and financial experts to discuss the issue and contribute suggestion to Yashwant Sinha's committee."
On the BJP's in-principle support of FDI in multi-brand retail, Gadkari said, "Is FDI in retail the only solution? Why is this government not taking the initiative regarding other issues, economic bills and laws?. We are ready to cooperate with this government decisions in the interest of society and the country. Many a time, I have appealed to the government and UPA chairperson Soniaji and Manmohan Singhji and offered cooperation and help in taking tough economic decisions in the interest of the country."
Regarding the BJP proffering cooperation to P Chidambaram if he were to be appointed as finance minister, he said, "The BJP is not vindictive about any leader. We have always opposed his policies and there are some decisions from the court regarding Chidambaramji. We are not vindictive about him. Now it is the privilege of the Prime Minister to decide on his finance minister."