Rewadi war: Here’s all you need to know about election freebies

Of late, election freebies have been in the limelight of Indian politics. Read on to find out about the stance of the Centre, poll panel and political parties regarding the freebie culture.

The freebie culture has made it to the centrestage of Indian politics. While a few are criticising, many are advocating freebies for people. The matter has also reached the Supreme Court through a PIL filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay's petition in opposition to the practice of political parties providing or promising freebies to voters.

The intervention plea was filed in response to a Public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who asked the Central government and the Election Commission to take steps to regulate political party poll manifestos and hold parties accountable for promises made in such manifestos.

ALSO READ | Rewadi war: What freebies does Chief Justice of India get, asks RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary

Former Chief Economic Advisor KV Subramanian said, "It is wrong to say India is on the same path as Sri Lanka, those who are trying to do 2+2 are wrong."

"States need to be cautious about the way they spend money. If they spend money on unnecessary things (like free electricity, and food), then their financial health will definitely go for a toss. States need to invest in infrastructure that will be beneficial for citizens. Also, freebies need to be stopped, otherwise, state coffers will be empty in no time."

WHAT CENTRE SAYS

The central government has also backed the petitioner, stating that political party freebies must be regulated and that the Supreme Court can step in and rule until the legislature passes legislation in this regard.