Is this drop in Maruti Suzuki car GST rate a short-term political move or a genuine long-term reform?

I believe it is a genuine reform. The whole GST structure was very complex with cess and multiple slabs. Simplifying it into flat rates is good for industry. Even if politics is part of it, the reform is real.

It looks like a political move to me. Timing is very close to elections. Government wants to show people they are making cars cheaper. It’s a popular decision. Long-term reform means consistency. Let’s see if they keep the rates same after elections or change again.

Maybe both. Politicians are happy to sell it as an achievement, and car buyers are happy to get cheaper prices. Whatever the reason, the end result is positive.