Thin Line Separates 'Freebies' From Welfare Schemes. Surprising That Manifestoes Don't Need EC Approval

As soon as the MCC kicks in, parties need EC approval for banners, posters, films, songs, print ads etc. But a manifesto requires no approval.  ( Image Source :PTI )

As poll fever catches up, parties have started releasing their manifestoes. The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana have released their tall poll promises to lure voters. A slew of freebies have been announced in the hope that they would make the parties cross the halfway mark.  Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched the Congress party's seven promises/guarantees in Rajasthan, which mainly include (i) annual honorarium of Rs