AMN  /

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu today accused the Congress of raising the issue of intolerance only for political gains. Mr Naidu told reporters outside Parliament that government has nothing to hide on the issue and ready to discuss it at length. The Minister suggested the Congress to look into its past instead of blowing the matter out of proportion. Mr Naidu said, few incidents have taken place in states and for those the states should take responsibility.

Replying to a query on the passage of the Goods and Services Tax Bill, the Minister said, government is in consultation with the opposition. He said, the bill is necessity for the country and parties should come forward to support it as it will ensure the country’s economic growth. Reacting to the allegations of Mr Naidu, Congress leader Rajiv Shukla claimed that his has always been a very tolerant party and the allegations are aimed at ridiculing his party.

On GST bill, Mr Shukla said, the government is in touch with the Congress on the issue. He said the party wants incorporation of three amendments in the proposed legislation, thereafter it will be in a position to support the passage of the Bill.

The Congress has been demanding that the cap of GST should be at 18 per cent and scrapping of one per cent inter state tax.