Before Gujarat polls, state cuts VAT on CNG, PNG, gives 2 free cylinders: Report

Gujarat - where prime minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party is in power - is scheduled to hold elections this year

Updated on: Oct 17, 2022, 19:47:38 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Gujarat government has reduced value added tax (VAT) on compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) by 10 per cent, state education minister Jitu Vaghani said Monday, according to news agency ANI.

CNG now costs ₹83.9 in Ahmedabad and ₹82.16 in Gandhinagar, according to mypetrolprice.com. Prices of petrol and diesel remain unchanged for now.

According to ANI, Vaghani also said two free cylinders will be given in a year.

The announcements comes weeks before prime minister Narendra Modi's home state votes for a new government; poll dates were expected Saturday but the Election Commission only confirmed dates for the Himachal Pradesh election.

The decision to not announce the dates was criticised by the Congress.

The party alleged the 'delay' was meant to give the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) an opportunity to announce pre-election 'sops' for the people.

"ECI has announced date for counting of votes for Himachal Pradesh… from today, election code of conduct is in place in Himachal Pradesh but not in Gujarat. This is done so BJP has enough time to announce pre-elections sops for the people,” Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said.

READ | Why did EC not announce dates for Gujarat poll today?

When questioned why the poll body had not announced Gujarat dates, chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said the EC had gone by 'tradition'.

In 2017 too dates for both states were announced separately.

Then chief election commissioner AK Joti said the delay was so a prolonged period under the model code of conduct was not needed.

Himachal Pradesh will vote on November 12. Results will be out on December 8.

With input from ANI

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Gujarat

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.