Let there be one nation, one market, one tax in India from here onward!
With these words, the much awaited GST was implemented in India at the stroke of midnight in a special session of Parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee and Finance Minister Arun Jaitly were cheif Illuminaries at this occasion. Former PM Manmohan Singh didn't show up despite the invitation. However an another former PM HD Dewegowda was present.
Finance Minister proposed the importance of the GST to the guests, as all major Congress leaders, in a shameful gesture, gave it a miss!
The national anthem was played in the Parliament on exactly 11.01 PM. After the speech of Arun Jaitly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave keynote address. He likened the 18 meetings of GST Council to the 18 chapters of Gita! He also said that GST stands for Good and Simple Tax!
After the speech of President, exactly at 12.00 the tolling bell was stroked by President in a gesture of promulgation of GST.
Only thrice before a special session of the Parliament has been called, on 14 August 1947, 1972 and 1997!