Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 23: The rollout of the new GST reforms on September 22 unleashed a wave of consumer enthusiasm across India, according to BJP spokesperson and Lok Sabha MP Sambit Patra, who likened the day to a "bonanza" coinciding with the start of Navratra.
Speaking at a press conference held at the BJP headquarters, Patra said the reforms had an immediate impact on the economy, with sectors like automobiles witnessing historic sales and households benefiting from noticeable price drops on essential goods and healthcare items.
“The auto sector saw a historic boom — Maruti Suzuki shattered its 35-year sales record, and Hyundai posted its highest sales in five years,” Patra stated. “Just on day one, Maruti delivered 25,000 vehicles, and Tata Motors recorded 10,000 deliveries with 25,000 customer inquiries.”
The momentum wasn’t limited to a single brand. According to Patra, Mahindra and other manufacturers also reported a festive surge in demand.
Dealerships extended working hours past midnight to manage the overwhelming footfall, with nationwide inquiries exceeding 80,000 and bookings touching 75,000.
Relief on the Healthcare Front
Beyond automobiles, the GST reforms also brought significant relief in the healthcare sector. Patra highlighted that prices for vital medications had dropped following the revised GST structure.
“Patients saved Rs 300–Rs 500 on medicines for chronic conditions like blood pressure and diabetes on day one itself. Even cancer patients and those needing common medications for infections and fever felt the impact,” he said.
The benefits extended to health insurance, footwear, clothing, and consumer electronics, Patra noted, citing early feedback that pointed to increased purchasing power and consumer optimism.
Ground-Level Feedback and Celebratory Mood
To gauge the public response, BJP and NDA leaders visited markets across India, engaging with retailers and consumers. The feedback, Patra said, was “overwhelmingly positive.”
“People described it as a true festival of savings. The timing is symbolic — as Navratra begins, this reform feels like a blessing for households across the country.”
In his closing remarks, Patra emphasized that the new GST framework is not just an economic shift but a confidence booster for the Indian consumer, setting the tone for sustained growth and stronger demand in the festive season ahead.