Freebies in Electoral Campaigns: A Divisive Issue in Indian Politics

The practice of offering freebies during electoral campaigns has been a longstanding, controversial feature of Indian politics. Often used as a strategy to win votes, these promises have become a polarizing issue in contemporary political discourse. Freebies, which range from free laptops and televisions to free electricity and water, are seen by some as an essential tool for addressing social inequality, while others view them as short-term populist measures that undermine fiscal responsibility and governance. Recently, the debate has gained more traction, especially with political leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticizing the so-called “revdi culture” — a term used to describe the practice of offering free gifts to the electorate in exchange for votes.

Background: The Emergence of Freebies in Electoral Campaigns

In India, the offering of freebies during elections has been a common strategy employed by political parties to garner votes. The practice dates back several decades but gained widespread visibility in the early 2000s. Freebies can take many forms, including direct monetary transfers, subsidized goods and services, or even goods like bicycles, televisions, and laptops, promised by political leaders during election rallies.

These promises are often made with the intention of alleviating immediate hardships, especially for lower-income groups, by providing them with basic necessities or luxury items free of charge. Over time, the scope of freebies has expanded, and so has their controversial nature. On one hand, freebies are presented as a necessary means of addressing societal inequities and ensuring that vulnerable sections of the population have access to essential goods and services. On the other hand, critics argue that the distribution of freebies undermines the democratic process, distorts public finances, and fosters dependency rather than self-sufficiency.

The 2014 general elections marked a turning point in the role of freebies in Indian elections. Several state governments, including those in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, began implementing large-scale welfare schemes involving free goods and services, such as free rice, laptops, and healthcare services. In many cases, these schemes were seen as instrumental in helping political parties win elections. The widespread popularity of these measures led to their adoption by other political parties as well, turning them into a ubiquitous feature of electoral campaigns.

Supreme Court Ruling on Freebies

• The debate surrounding freebies took a significant turn in 2022 when the issue was brought before the Supreme Court of India. The Court was asked to examine whether the practice of offering freebies during elections violated the principles of free and fair elections, and whether it was damaging to public finances and governance.
• The petition filed before the Supreme Court argued that the distribution of freebies violated the Constitution's provisions on fiscal responsibility, governance, and the ethical conduct of elections. The petitioners claimed that such freebies distorted the political process by turning elections into a battle of promises, where the party offering the most free gifts to the electorate would have a better chance of winning, regardless of the actual feasibility or long-term impact of these promises.
• In its ruling, the Supreme Court acknowledged the potential harm that freebies could cause to the country’s financial health and democratic integrity. The Court noted that the practice of offering freebies could undermine public trust in democratic institutions by creating a perception that the electoral process was being "bought" through financial incentives. However, the Court also recognized that welfare schemes aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized communities and improving access to basic services like education, healthcare, and food were legitimate and should not be confused with vote-buying tactics.
• The Court's ruling emphasized that while the government had a moral and constitutional obligation to ensure the welfare of its citizens, the distribution of freebies in the context of elections should be carefully regulated. The Court also called for the Election Commission to develop clear guidelines to distinguish between genuine welfare measures and populist promises aimed at influencing voters.
• In response to the Court’s concerns, the Election Commission proposed a set of recommendations aimed at curbing the use of freebies in elections. These included stricter monitoring of election manifestos, the requirement for political parties to provide detailed cost-benefit analyses for promises made during campaigns, and the establishment of a transparent framework for the distribution of welfare benefits.

Government Initiatives and Responses

• In response to the growing concerns around the use of freebies in electoral campaigns, the Indian government has initiated several measures to address the issue. One of the key steps has been the introduction of reforms aimed at curbing the misuse of public funds during elections. The Election Commission, in particular, has been active in urging political parties to adhere to ethical guidelines and refrain from making unrealistic promises that can strain the country’s finances.
• In March 2022, the Election Commission took a significant step by issuing a directive asking political parties to disclose the cost of their manifesto promises and assess their feasibility before making such promises. The directive sought to ensure that political parties would be held accountable for the impact their promises could have on the national budget and the economy. Additionally, the Commission emphasized the importance of transparency in the allocation of resources for welfare schemes, ensuring that the intended beneficiaries received the promised support.
• A notable example of this approach is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a financial inclusion program launched in 2014, which aims to provide access to banking services for the underserved population. Similarly, schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), which provides financial assistance to farmers, have been considered more sustainable alternatives to freebies, as they are targeted and aimed at long-term empowerment rather than short-term relief.

Criticism of Freebies in Electoral Campaigns

The practice of distributing freebies has been widely criticized for several reasons. Critics argue that freebies are a populist tactic that undermines good governance and long-term economic planning. One of the most prominent concerns is the strain that such promises place on public finances. States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab, which have been at the forefront of distributing freebies, have seen their fiscal deficits rise sharply as a result of the increased expenditure on subsidies and welfare schemes.

For example, in Punjab, the state government allocates over 10% of its revenue to subsidies, which has led to financial instability. This excessive expenditure on freebies comes at the cost of investment in critical infrastructure and public services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation. Critics argue that this distorts resource allocation and hinders economic development.

Another major criticism of freebies is their potential to create a culture of dependency. By offering free goods and services, political parties may discourage self-sufficiency and hard work, which are essential for long-term economic growth. This can also lead to a decrease in productivity and innovation, as citizens may come to expect government support rather than seeking ways to improve their economic situation.

Additionally, there is the ethical concern that the distribution of freebies in the lead-up to elections constitutes vote-buying. The promises of free goods and services are often made with the explicit goal of securing votes, and many argue that this undermines the integrity of the democratic process. The temptation to use state resources for electoral gain raises serious questions about the fairness and transparency of elections.

Way Forward

The debate over freebies in electoral campaigns requires a nuanced approach that balances the need for social welfare with the principles of fiscal responsibility and ethical governance. Several steps can be taken to ensure that electoral promises are made responsibly and that welfare policies are effective and sustainable.

• Strengthening Electoral Regulations: The Election Commission must be empowered to monitor and regulate election promises more rigorously. A transparent framework should be established to assess the feasibility and impact of promises made by political parties. Political parties must be required to disclose the cost of their manifesto promises and their long-term financial implications.
• Promoting Sustainable Welfare Policies: Instead of relying on short-term handouts, political parties should focus on policies that promote long-term economic development and self-reliance. This includes investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, which can provide sustainable benefits to society without creating dependency.
• Voter Education and Awareness: Voters need to be educated about the long-term implications of freebies and the importance of holding political leaders accountable for their promises. A well-informed electorate is less likely to be swayed by populist tactics and more likely to prioritize policies that promote sustainable development.
• Transparency and Accountability in Governance: Governments must ensure that welfare schemes are implemented transparently and effectively, with clear mechanisms for monitoring the distribution of benefits. This can help build public trust in government programs and reduce the potential for misuse of public funds.

Conclusion

The issue of freebies in electoral campaigns remains a deeply divisive topic in Indian politics. While freebies can provide immediate relief to disadvantaged populations, they often come at a significant cost to public finances and can create a culture of dependency. The Supreme Court's ruling on the matter has highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to welfare promises, one that prioritizes long-term development over short-term electoral gains. Going forward, the focus should be on sustainable welfare policies, transparent governance, and electoral reforms that ensure fairness and accountability. Only through such reforms can India achieve a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.