<h1>Opposition criticises central government for claiming credit for GST Council reforms, urges GST 2.0 and extended compensation</h1> The opposition accused the central government of claiming sole credit for GST amendments adopted by the GST Council, a constitutional body, and characterized the reforms as inadequate for failing to extend states' compensation for five years. The opposition reiterated long-standing calls for a comprehensive GST 2.0 to simplify brackets, reduce compliance burdens, address sectoral concerns (textiles, tourism, exporters, handicrafts, agricultural inputs) and raise thresholds for interstate supplies to protect MSMEs. The Council's reform, effective Sept 22, collapses four slabs into a two-tier structure (5% and 18%, with ultra-luxury at 40% and tobacco retaining higher cess) and reduces rates on about 375 items.