A day before reduced GST rates come into effect, Modi made a strong pitch for promoting 'swadeshi' goods and asserted that the next generation GST reforms would accelerate India's growth story, increase ease of doing business, and attract more investors. Reacting to his address, Congress general secretary, in-charge, communications, Jairam Ramesh, said Modi addressed the nation to "claim sole ownership of the amendments made to the GST regime by the GST Council, a constitutional body." The Indian National Congress has long argued that the Goods and Services Tax has been a "Growth Suppressing Tax", he said. Ramesh said the current GST reforms were inadequate, with outstanding issues, including the widespread concerns of MSMEs, the major employment generators in the economy. The reforms, hammered by the GST Council, comprising the Centre and states, will come into effect from September 22 -- the first day of the Navaratri.