The Election Commission of India (ECI)’s right to question political parties on the country’s poll promises and a rampant “freebies” culture, is being debated among some political parties. The EC has notified all national and state political parties, of the need to provide authentic information to voters on the financial viability of their poll promises. The EC has argued that non-disclosure of financial feasibility of poll promises, has far-reaching economic consequences for the voters and the nation.
The EC has asked parties to submit their views by October 19. In its letter, the EC alluded to voters being able to make informed choices, based on adequate financial disclosures on the implementation of free or subsidized benefits . In August, the Supreme Court had directed for the pleas to be listed and discussed before a three-judge bench, noting that the issues needed “extensive” hearing. A former chief election commissioner, speaking on conditions of anonymity, said the proposal should have been made after the Supreme Court decided on the pleas, pertaining to “freebies vs welfare measures”. The former CEC also questioned the ability of a poll panel to decide the needs and wants of the voters .
Mr. Jairam Ramesh of the Congress party, opined that the Election Commission’s recent proposal to change the model code concerning electoral promises , goes against the spirit of competitive politics and stated that it would be “yet another nail in the coffin of democracy”. Other parties too have raised their objection to the EC’s notification, with the Left parties stating it was not the poll body’s job to “regulate” policy pronouncements.
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