Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently pointed out an unhealthy practice in Indian politics that has become a trend. He cautioned the people against what he called a "revari (sweet) culture", wherein political parties try to garner votes during elections by promising freebies. He stated that such a practice will be “very dangerous” for the development of the country and that the citizens, especially the youth should guard against such culture. This prompted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to argue that he had been accused of distributing freebies, but the schemes his government had rolled out, like free education, health services and electricity don’t fall within ‘sweet’ category, while pointing at other parties of resorting to such practices, including waiving of loans. Leaving the political bickering aside, the fact remains that freebies culture has become an integral part of politics in the country over the years. It has penetrated into almost all states today. Most political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have jumped on the bandwagon to win electoral battles. For instance, the BJP promised freebies like free scooty to meritorious college girls, free laptops to meritorious students and monetary incentives to poor girls ahead of the assembly election in Manipur this year and went on to win the elections. The AAP too promised free 300 units of electricity to each household, cash for adult women, increase of old-age pension, etc. ahead of the Punjab assembly election and went on to form the government in the state. This doesn’t mean other political parties are not engaged in this; almost all parties -- national and regional -- in the country have joined the freebies game today.
While some argue that expenditure outlays like the public distribution system, employment guarantee, education, health, etc. are necessary and helpful for the economy which is in a way true considering the existence of a section of the population who needs attention. Freebies in the form of loan waivers, laptops, TV sets, motorcycle, smartphones, etc. with election in mind, and not need-based, are questionable and could be harmful in the long run. Voters will start expecting such sops every time election season arrives and states will be caught in their own traps. Moreover, irrational freebies from public funds for political gains is unethical and against free and fair election as it disrupts the level playing field. As pointed out by the prime minister, this “sweet culture” is indeed “dangerous” for the development of the country but nothing will happen if political parties wait for rivals to make the first move. It is to be seen if the narratives of politicians and political parties will change when the freebie season comes, as two states go to the polls before the end of this year and nine states, including Nagaland in 2023. If left unattended for too long, the “sweet culture” could turn bitter.