Sushma Swaraj draws GST, NSG parallel

As the Speaker started the Question Hour session, one of the questions was on India’s diplomatic failure to secure membership in the prestigious Nuclear Suppliers Group. Some ruling party members and a Trinamul MP asked why India could not convince China to back it on the issue. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj drew a parallel of the Opposition Congress’ stand on the GST bill and China’s continuous opposition to India’s entry into the NSG. She said, “Till today, the Congress was opposing our GST bill. But can they oppose it permanently No. I believe one day China will also support India’s membership in the NSG.” Even Congress president Sonia Gandhi listened carefully to Ms Swaraj and was seen smiling.

Incidentally, in the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting, Mrs Gandhi did not mention GST, perhaps leaving room for negotiations between the ruling party and the main Opposition party. Many MPs were heard saying later that perhaps Sushma had given a hint of a resolution on the GST impasse.