Wed Oct 15 15:59:01 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewritten from it:

**Summary:**

The article reports on criticisms from the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “GST 2.0” celebration. APCC president Y.S. Sharmila claims the GST has been a burden on the people, accusing the central government of looting trillions of rupees. She dismisses the idea that recent GST cuts significantly increase purchasing power and reiterates the need for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh. APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji calls for a ₹1,000 crore grant for the Rayalaseema region and urges the PM to focus development efforts on Srisailam, a prominent Jyotirlinga Kshetra, appealing to BJP leaders and the state’s Chief and Deputy Chief Ministers to push for a comprehensive plan.

**News Article:**

**APCC Slams Modi’s “GST 2.0” as a “Joke,” Demands Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh**

**VIJAYAWADA, October 15, 2025** – The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s celebration of “GST 2.0,” branding it a “joke of the decade.” APCC President Y.S. Sharmila took to X to accuse the central government of exploiting citizens through the Goods and Services Tax (GST), claiming a staggering ₹55,44,897 crore has been extracted from the public between 2017 and 2025.

“This so-called ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ has broken the backs of the common man,” Ms. Sharmila stated. She argued that recent GST reductions of ₹2.5 lakh crore are insufficient and fail to genuinely boost purchasing power. Instead, she reiterated the APCC’s long-standing demand for Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh.

Adding to the chorus of criticism, APCC Vice-President Kolanukonda Shivaji called on Prime Minister Modi to announce a substantial ₹1,000 crore grant for the development of the backward Rayalaseema region during his scheduled visit to Srisailam on Thursday. Shivaji emphasized the religious significance of Srisailam, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga Kshetras, and argued that it merits dedicated development efforts.

Shivaji also implored senior BJP MP D. Purandeswari, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan to advocate for a comprehensive development plan for Srisailam, including improved connectivity through the establishment of a dedicated railway line. The APCC’s forceful statements highlight the ongoing political tensions surrounding economic policies and regional development in Andhra Pradesh.

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