Citizens Must Trade Votes for Growth

HISTORY, INSIGHT, AND A LITTLE OBSERVATION tell us that economic growth is the most powerful instrument for scaling the socioeconomic pyramid. It is pivotal to poverty eradication and sustainable development. Growth triggers a virtuous circle of prosperity, catalyses a progressive ecosystem. It vitalises the quality of life, social harmony, equality and opportunity.

- Vikas Singh

Political Class Trade Voters’ Long Term Future for the Next Term

Voters expect the state to create the enabling ecosystem to grow the development pie so every individual may have their fill, making most people self-reliant, independent of the ephemeral largesse of the state. However, and instead, our political leaders especially in election bound states, conveniently divide the pie to the level where most are eventually denied.

Elections have a familiar plot. We are witnessing a spectacle where leaders make grand promises, but deliver little. Unrealistic promises, irrational freebies and sops are on the rise.

The Indian electorate have been extremely judicious, rejecting the fringe, shunning those who plot power, manipulate voters. They instead embrace those who look ahead, present sustainable development plans. However this has changed in the last two decades.

A Crux study across 17 states reveals that about Rs 800 is scattered and ‘invested’ for every electoral vote. However less highlighted, even ignored, is the larger malice i.e., electoral short-termism; election-focused welfare schemes, and the ‘targeted’ freebies that the incumbent spends to lure voters. The challengers respond with equal vengeance, tempting with taller promises, layering these promises with winnable slogans. Promises they can never keep.

But they promise, nevertheless.

Freebies & Sops Benefit Only Individuals. Growth is the Casualty