Gujarat polls: EC asks Centre not to publicise some GST rate cuts until second phase of election ends

New Delhi: Election Commission has advised the government not to publicise GST rate cuts on certain popular consumables in poll-bound Gujarat as it could influence voters in the state where the first phase of elections is on 9 December. It, however, has allowed advertisement of simplified tax procedure without mentioning any products, functionaries in the poll panel said on Thursday. [caption id=“attachment_4247937” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. PTI[/caption] “On the first draft, the EC has advised that any publicity which could influence voters should not be done. Of course, people have to be made aware of procedures so the commission has approved of that proposal,” a functionary said. The commission has advised that advertisements on GST rate cuts can take place after the second phase is over on 14 December. The Election Commission had earlier allowed the Centre to release the second installment of funds under the MNREGA scheme for Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat with a rider that there will be “absolutely” no publicity in this regard. Polls in Himachal Pradesh were held on 9 November. Click here for detailed coverage of Gujarat Assembly Election 2017