Political strategist Prashant Kishor has sharply criticized the recent surge in petrol prices, attributing it directly to the conclusion of the West Bengal elections. Kishor’s remarks, delivered with a dose of sarcasm, suggest a deliberate strategy by political parties to hold off price increases during electoral periods and then resume hikes once the voting is done. He pointed out that during the Bengal elections, there were no price revisions, but immediately after, daily increases have become the norm. This pattern, according to Kishor, indicates a manipulative approach where the public is expected to endure price hikes until the next election cycle offers a temporary reprieve. His statement implies that the timing of petrol price adjustments is not driven by market forces or economic realities but rather by political expediency. Kishor’s commentary also extended to the concept of ‘freebies,’ a term often used to describe populist welfare schemes promised by political parties. He seemed to mock the public’s acceptance of these freebies, suggesting that while people may enjoy these immediate benefits, they are ultimately subjected to economic burdens like rising fuel costs. His underlying message appears to be a critique of how political actors leverage electoral cycles to manage public perception and economic policies, potentially at the expense of long-term economic stability or genuine public welfare. The implication is that the public is caught in a cycle where short-term gains (freebies) are overshadowed by recurring economic hardships (petrol price hikes), with little recourse until the next electoral event. Kishor’s sharp observation highlights a common criticism of political campaigning and governance in many democracies, where immediate electoral interests can overshadow sustainable economic management. He suggests a need for greater public awareness and perhaps pressure on political entities to adopt more transparent and consistent economic policies that are not solely dictated by the electoral calendar. The strategist’s words resonate with a broader sentiment of disillusionment among citizens who often feel that their economic well-being is a secondary consideration during election campaigns, only to be revisited as a bargaining chip or a point of public grievance after the votes are cast. His sarcastic suggestion to “pray for the election to come again” underscores the perceived helplessness of the public in influencing these price mechanisms outside of the voting booth. The phrase “enjoy the Freebies” further emphasizes the ironic contrast between temporary relief and ongoing economic strain. This critique by Prashant Kishor offers a pointed commentary on the interplay between electoral politics and the everyday economic realities faced by the common citizen. Source: Prashant Kishore
Nehr_who?: “Petrol price will keep on increasing coz elections are over, during Bengal elections price was not hiked & now it’s being hiked every day So now you pray for the election to come again till then enjoy the Freebies” Prashant Kishore mocks people on Freebies & Petrol hoke. #breaking
— @Nher_who May 1, 2026
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