GST bill puts Delhi on equal footing with states: Sisodia

New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) Deputy Chief Minister ManishSisodia today claimed that the Goods and Service Tax (GST)bill which was today ratified by the Delhi Assembly, hasplaced "Delhi" (Union Territory with a state legislature) onequal footing to that of a state. Referring to the communication received by the chiefminister from the Union Finance Minister on GST bill, theDeputy Chief Minister said the amended Article 366 treats"Union Territory with a legislature on equal footing asState". "GST bill for the first time recognises Delhi as a stateunder the new Constitutional amendment to Art 366 – step inright direction finally," Sisodia tweeted. In the assembly, Sisodia also took the opportunity to hitout at the Centre for being "confused" over the constitutionalstatus of Delhi. "As per memorandums of Niti Aayog over contributions ofstates centrally sponsored schemes, the Centre seems to beconfused about the status of Delhi. But the GST Bill has givenclarity to Constitutional position of Delhi. Technically, itincludes Delhi in states category," he said. The bill was today endorsed by the House by a voice votefollowing a brief discussion during which Sisodia called GST a"big reform" which will be good for the country’s economy andgrowth. The Aam Aadmi Party has been raising demands of fullstatehood status for Delhi since it has come to power in Delhiin February. On August 13, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had invokedDelhiites’ pride to reiterate the AAP’s demand for fullstatehood to Delhi, saying he will take the fight to anyextent to make it happen for the interest of the nationalcapital. Without taking names of any political party and makingdirect reference to anyone, Kejriwal had said the AAP wouldcontinue to fight for full statehood by going to any extent as"goons in the high echelons" of the government hinder the workof Delhi. PTI BUNKUN