"Freebies Have Tadka Of Populism": Poll Panel Says, Announces Voting Dates
NDTV
In August last year then Supreme Court Chief Justice, NV Ramana, warned political parties "freebies may create a situation wherein the state cannot provide basic amenities due to lack of funds..."
Voters have "a right to know from where (the money for) freebies (will) come", the Election Commission said Monday morning as it announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram Assembly elections. The final round of polls for the year begin in Mizoram on November 7 and end in Telangana on November 30. Results are due December 3.
"Announcement of freebies always have 'tadka' of populism'... the public has a right to know from where (the money for) freebies (will) come," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said.
Mr Kumar also said that nearly 1,000 checkpoints had been set up along state borders to check the flow of liquor, cash and drugs. "There will be zero tolerance for use of money power and there will be strict vigil over suspicious online cash transfers...," he told reporters this morning.
