The Politics of Freebies: Winning Elections, Losing Futures

The Public and Government: A Shared Responsibility

Tariq Bhat 

 

In the high-stakes arena of political campaigns, the promise of instant relief often drowns out the call for long-term vision. Freebies—whether free rations, cash handouts, or subsidized transport—have become a go-to tactic in modern election strategies. While these offerings may ease immediate struggles, they pose a pressing question:

 

Are we sacrificing our future for the sake of today’s comfort?

 

The appeal of quick benefits can blur the line between genuine welfare and vote-grabbing gimmicks. Political parties, irrespective of ideology, have embraced this approach, wagering on short-term rewards to clinch victories. From free laptops in one region to zero-cost electricity in another, the message is unmistakable: freebies are the new currency of political power.

 

 

 

But the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with those in office. Voters, often grappling with pressing needs, tend to favor concrete perks over vague promises of progress. This demand fuels a relentless cycle, pushing parties to escalate their offers in a bid to outdo each other.

 

Breaking this pattern falls squarely on the shoulders of leaders and policymakers. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely noted, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” True service lies in empowering people with sustainable opportunities, not fleeting handouts.

History offers stark lessons on the pitfalls of freebie politics:

 

 

States like Tamil Nadu, known for generous giveaways, have provided short-term relief at the cost of long-term fiscal health, hampering investments in infrastructure and growth.

 

 

 

Schemes like free electricity, while popular, often lead to resource wastage and stifle innovation, fostering reliance rather than resilience.

Economist Milton Friedman’s timeless warning rings true: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” The bill for these freebies eventually lands on taxpayers and future generations, saddling them with debt and stalled progress.

 

 

South Korea’s Rise: By pouring resources into education and technology, South Korea evolved from a war-ravaged country into a global innovation hub.

 

 

 

 

 

Rather than handing out free homes, Singapore’s subsidized housing program promotes ownership and accountability, building both homes and pride.
India faces a pivotal choice. Will its leaders chase the fleeting thrill of electoral wins, or will they forge a legacy of nation-building?

 

 

 

 

Visionaries like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who spearheaded projects like the Golden Quadrilateral, showed what’s possible when progress trumps populism.

 

 

 

 

 

The electorate isn’t off the hook. Nelson Mandela’s words resonate here: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Instead of falling for shiny giveaways, we must rally for policies that drive growth, innovation, and equity.

 

 

 

 

Freebies might clinch votes, but they seldom build nations. They offer a momentary balm, not a cure for the deeper needs of governance and vision. Both leaders and citizens must resist the lure of quick fixes to ensure a thriving future.

 

 

So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we ready to trade tomorrow’s potential for today’s ease? If the answer is no, it’s time to back leaders who prioritize building over bribing—those who look beyond the next ballot to the next generation.