<h1>Opposition leader welcomes GST rationalisation to two primary rates, urges single rate simplification and broader deregulation</h1> A senior opposition leader welcomed recent GST rate rationalisation as likely to stimulate economic and manufacturing activity and reiterated the party's long-standing call for simplification toward a single rate, criticizing the previous multiple-rate structure as confusing and unfair. The GST Council approved primarily two rates (5% and 18%) with a special 40% rate for tobacco and ultra-luxury items; most changes take effect Sept 22 while tobacco remains at 28% plus compensation cess until Dec 31. The package also exempts individual life insurance and reinsurance services. The leader urged broader market reforms and deregulation to improve efficiency.