Parties’ own interpretation of ECI norms

The AIADMK and the DMK, which have promised numerous populist measures in their respective manifestos, have their own interpretations of the Election Commission of India’s requirement that poll promises must reflect the rationale and indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirements for their implementation.

Section 3 (iii) of paragraph VIII of the ECI guidelines on manifesto states: “In the interest of transparency, level-playing field and credibility of promises, it is expected that manifestos also reflect the rationale for the promises and broadly indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirements for it.” DMK leader R.S. Bharathi said, “The promises made in our manifesto are only schemes. Where is the financial commitment in them? We have only announced after looking into the feasibility.”