Sir — This refers to the report, “No freebies before polls: SC” (July 6).
The apex court has rightly expressed concern over the freebies that are frequently distributed by political parties to ‘fulfil’ their respective poll promises. However, such doles, distributed at exorbitant cost to the public exchequer, are indeed corrupt practices which should be checked forthwith.
It is heartening, therefore, to see that though the Supreme Court has said that it is unable to directly intervene and abolish such practices, it has also directed the Election Commission to take up the issue with political parties formulate specific rules and guidelines.
But, given the scant regard that our political parties and their leaders have for constitutional bodies in the country, the moot question is: Will these parties conform to the guidelines of the Election CommissionIJ The answer perhaps lies in the same cold-storage where the poll reforms recommended by the Election Commission have been are gathering dust.