Despite high expectations, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab won only 3 out of 13 parliamentary seats despite its popular policy of providing 300 units of free electricity, costing the state over Rs 20,477 crores annually. Such populist measures, effective in state elections, do not guarantee success in national contests, as seen in Punjab and Delhi. Similarly, Congress's promises in Karnataka and Telangana did not yield the expected results. These outcomes suggest that while popular policies can influence state outcomes, they may not secure national victories, with potential long-term economic drawbacks.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections, just ahead of the general elections commencing on April 19.