In this episode of Central Hall host Kapil Sibal discusses the complexities of Goods and Services Tax (GST), its political and economic implications, and how recent rate cuts announced as a "Diwali gift" by the prime minister may influence upcoming elections in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.

The conversation explores whether such decisions are meant to genuinely improve the lives of ordinary citizens or driven largely by electoral strategy. Key issues like the inverted duty structure, revenue loss estimates, impact on organised versus unorganised sectors, and the broader consequences for both the government and the public are analysed.

With insights from noted economist professor Arun Kumar, former senior IRS officer V.K. Garg and MP Saket Gokhale, the discussion sheds light on whether GST reforms are truly equitable or deepen disparities between states and sectors, and what this means for India’s economy and its people.

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