Alligning the freebies with fiscal realities

In an elected democracy, political party publishes its policy and programs through manifesto.

- PARVEEN KUMAR

The manifesto presents the aims and schemes to attract the electorate to elect it. The manifesto is drafted by experienced politicians with the help of framers to lure the electorates. To win elections, the political parties woo the economically poor and illiterate voters. Ethics go for a toss and economic health of the government is often compromised.

Late T.N. CM, J. Jayalalitha was the first political icon to induct the culture of announcing freebies, ahead of elections in India. The promise of free sarees, pressure cookers, television, washing machines etc. were enough to move the voters. This was propelled by ArvindKejriwal (AAP) in 2015 elections for Delhi by promising free electricity, water, bus travel for women and more. That triggered the opening of pandora box of the freebies culture. Other political parties followed the suite, like competing in a slugfest. This gradually became to be perceived as a mandatory cult. The political parties without caring for provision of financial resources went on offering freebies merely to wrest power. Once in power the political party keeps on dragging its feet for years to fulfill the promises because fiscal health of state seldom matches with unrealistic promises.

While electing a government, the real issues should be weighed by electorates objectively. It should be carefully examined by the electorates if policies of the contesting political parties are for strengthening the state with sustainable economy and development. Freebies, in fact, are like slow poison, the voters must realize.