Freebies row: Poll promises should be met via budgetary provisions, says FM

Meanwhile, the apex court has asked a three-judge Bench to review a past order on the issue, which said that such handouts are not a corrupt practice

Weighing on the ‘freebies’ debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said promises made to people by political parties during elections should be met through budgetary provisions, duly passed in the state Assemblies.

“If a promise has been made to the people at the time of election because you are looking at quid pro quo, then as a responsible party, after you come to power, make a provision in the budget for it,” the finance minister said at a media event in Mumbai.

“And, the payment should go through from the provision made in the budget. The promise of a