Freebies trend needs to stop

The bizarre trend of promising, distributing freebies out of the public funds ahead of elections in the states that are set to go for polls is dangerous and needs immediate intervention. In this regard, a petition has already been filed in the Supreme Court (SC) which has sought direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for initiating action against the parties that indulge in such practices.
The petition has sought to seize the election symbol or de-register a political party that promises or distributes “irrational freebies” from public funds before elections. The Supreme Court (SC) has reacted sharply over the trend and has termed the issue as serious while the matter is slated to be heard again after four weeks.
But, there is a need to put forth some points. The party that failed while being in the power now promising, or distributing freebies is not only dangerous but is also hilarious. It suggests how they demean people and consider them as unaware of the ground realities.
In the competition between the political parties, the freebies will not only affect and upset the finances of the state but will also jeopardise the process of free and fair elections in the states that are set to go for elections.
The trend will also have a greater impact across other states that will go for the polls in months to come. Announcing freebies is not only dangerous but can prove to be a disaster that needs to be arrested while it is in the nascent stage. There is a need for curbing the practise before it becomes normal across the country.
In such a situation, the role of the judiciary, particularly, the Supreme Court (SC) is vital and paramount. It is the Supreme Court (SC) that can pull up the Election Commission of India (ECI) to implement the guidelines aimed at arresting the practice. The Supreme Court (SC) has a pivotal role to play and it needs to rise to the occasion and issue strict guidelines to uphold the  constitution of India.