Comments
The Madras High Court on Wednesday came down hard on political parties for adopting a freebie culture to woo voters in Tamil Nadu by promising laptops and household appliances if voted to power.
Whether development is achieved or not, freebies only make people lazy, shattering the work culture of the State. Consequently, no work is done in the State without migrant workers from other States, said Justices N Kirubakaran and B Pugalendhi.
Curbing freebies
The court directed the Election Commission to frame regulations in consultation with all the recognised political parties to curb this practice.
A separate head for guidelines for the election manifesto released by a political party can also be included in the Model Code of Conduct for the Guidance of Political Parties and Candidates, the order said on a writ petition filed by M Chandramohan of Tirunelveli.
If the money spent for freebies is utilised constructively and for incentives to agriculture, which has become an orphan in India as most of the people have quit agriculture as it does not provide a secured income, definitely, there will be social development and progress, the court said.
‘Stark reality’
Political parties should be prohibited from making election promises, which can add to the burden of the public exchequer, especially, with the State facing a financial crunch. Otherwise, for the sake of finance, the State has to increase the number of liquor shops, the order said.
“It is stated that every candidate has to shell out about ₹20 crore in the election to an Assembly constituency, as many of the people have become corrupt by selling their votes for cash, biryani and a quarter bottle of liquor. It is a stark reality. If that is so, how could the people expect good leaders? Do people who sell their votes have any moral right to question their leaders?” the Court said
For instance, the AIADMK has promised washing machines, six free LPG cylinders annually to every family, free solar stove and mosquito net. The DMK, on its part, has offered tablets with free data to government school and college students.
The Court sought response from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment; the Election Commission of India; the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission and the District Collector of Tirunelveli and posted the matter for April 26.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.