The thin line between welfare and appeasement is becoming increasingly blurred as political parties in India rely on freebies, rather than ideologies to woo voters ahead of elections.
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The thin line between welfare and appeasement is becoming increasingly blurred as political parties in India rely on freebies, rather than ideologies and programmes, to woo the electorate ahead of elections. This trend has turned the concept of a 'free and fair election' into a mockery by luring independent voters to become beneficiaries, which is nothing but a ploy to garner support through indirect pressure. It is concerning that this trend shows no signs of diminishing in the near future; rather, it threatens to persist notwithstanding objections from both the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister. Clearly, the situation calls for stringent legislation to prevent political parties from indulging in freebies culture, in order to safeguard the integrity of Indian democracy. However, the chances of such a law being enacted soon appear slim, as every political party is complicit in this practice to gain power.
Before delving deeper, it is essential to distinguish between welfare projects and freebies. Welfare projects are meant for specific sections of the population and that too for a limited time. The duration and scope of a welfare project can be extended if it delivers the desired results; otherwise, such projects may be terminated or redesigned to meet the needs of the target population. Another crucial aspect of welfare projects is that they are initiated with a specific purpose. Once that purpose is fulfilled, the projects may be concluded. For instance, the midday meal programme introduced at the beginning of the century is a welfare initiative that not only draws children to schools but also ensures essential nutrition, which is vital for fostering a healthy society. In contrast, freebies lack such objectives. The nature of freebies is determined by the number of individuals they can attract. Currently, political parties across the country are engaged in a frenzied effort to distribute cash to women. From West Bengal in the East to Maharashtra in the West, and from Punjab to Kerala, political parties are enticing women voters with various freebies. Some parties have even gone to the extent of issuing guarantee cards to women, promising to provide freebies if they come to power.
Thus the onus is on the electorate to respond appropriately to parties that promise freebies in an attempt to win votes while neglecting the real issues. Voters must know that the funds required to implement these freebies come from the state's exchequer, which consists of taxes and borrowings meant for development. The misuse of these funds would jeopardise all developmental projects. The construction of roads, bridges, railway lines, hospitals, and educational institutions would be adversely affected. Therefore, we should not be swayed by such freebies but rather hold those promoting them accountable.