Question

In the field of economics, which is fast turning out to be something of an Achilles heel for this government, the criticism is mostly misplaced, and not based on policy but on politics. For instance, there was a huge uproar over rising petroleum prices. _______________. Besides the fact that these taxes have been there forever and were not in troduced by this government, it was quite a spectacle to see how the very people who raised hell over the rising prices, switched tack and started clobbering the government for cutting some taxes and indulging in cheap populism to bring down the prices of petroleum. The same trend was visible on the GST issue.

A But when the government responded and gave relief, it was again disparaged.

B Be that as it may, the government was severely chastised for not responding to the problems faced by the traders and small businesses.

C That GST is anything but a simple tax and has become a millstone around the neck of many an economic agent is well known.

D Reams were written and hours of airtime spent in informing people of the quantum of taxes levied on petroleum products.

E One reason for this is that the opposition’s argument and goalpost keep shifting and loses its salience.

Detailed Solution