Kolkata, Feb. 20 -- Amid the Supreme Court's observations on the growing culture of political "freebies" before elections, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said the practice has become common across states, affecting development priorities. Reacting to the court's remarks, Ghosh stated that successive governments distribute benefits to attract voters instead of focusing on long-term growth.

Speaking to ANI here, Ghosh said, "It happens in every state; all parties do it more or less. Prime Minister Modi has also spoken out against this, saying that the funds meant for development should not be used for other purposes. But this has become a tradition. However, it's not that you win by doing this. Many lures were given in Delhi, but they couldn't win...