Opinion

Why Indian electorate prefers dignity, long-term development over immediate freebies

Voters’ focus is on transformative policies that promise a better future, not just for themselves but more importantly for their children

Aditya Sinha December 20, 2023 17:22:04 IST

Supporters of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrate after winning three out of four states in key regional polls outside the party headquarters in Ahmedabad, India, December 3, 2023.REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo

The intelligence of voters often becomes a comedic punching bag, as if entering a voting booth magically swaps their brains with that of a whimsically indecisive squirrel.

The notion suggests that voters, upon confronting a ballot, undergo a mystifying transformation, wherein all rational thought is hijacked by the allure of grand promises and flashy slogans.

But this humorous stereotype belies a more nuanced reality. Voters increasingly resist the allure of populist promises, recognising the long-term cost they bear on genuine development. They understand that short-term benefits, often presented as freebies, can undermine the foundations of progress that will define their own future and that of their children. This growing awareness marks a shift towards prioritising sustainable development over immediate gratification.

Related Articles

The phenomenon of populism and its interplay with the culture of offering “freebies” is a critical area of study in political philosophy and economics, as noted by scholars like Margaret Canovan and Cas Mudde. Their analysis underscores how populist leaders often employ tactics of promising free or subsidised services to connect with and mobilise the public.

This approach, as Canovan discusses in “Populism,” targets the immediate needs and desires of people, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged stratum of the population. Examples of such freebies are widespread and varied, including promises of free electricity, complimentary bus rides, and reinstatement of old pension schemes. These offerings are designed to appeal directly to the day-to-day concerns of the populace.

However, the practical outcomes of these strategies do not always align with their intended goals, as evidence in recent electoral results. For instance, in states like Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, the Congress party’s promises of freebies did not translate into the anticipated political success.

In Chhattisgarh, despite promises such as loan waivers for farmers and reduced electricity bills, the party faced challenges in implementing these policies effectively, leading to dissatisfaction among the populace. Similarly, in Rajasthan, the promises made regarding the old pension scheme and other freebies did not fully materialise as expected.

The electorate is acutely aware that such freebies compromise their prospects. In states like Karnataka and Punjab, where a proliferation of these so-called ‘freebies’ has occurred, there has been a marked decrease in capital expenditure, with reductions of 30 percent and 11 percent respectively during the April-October period of fiscal year 2024.In contrast, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as frontrunners in terms of capital expenditure during the same timeframe.

The assembly elections were more than a choice for state leadership; it is a recognition of the transformative improvement in people’s lives over the past decade due to the policies of the Union government. The electorate acknowledges the substantial progress in accessing essential services.

Key measures of multi-dimensional poverty, like the standard of living, have seen significant advancements. These measures include access to clean cooking fuel, sanitation, safe drinking water, electricity, adequate housing, asset ownership, and bank accounts. Notably, the central government has made remarkable strides in these areas: PM Ujjwala for clean cooking fuel, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for sanitation, Jal Jeevan Mission for water, SAUBHAGYA Electrification Scheme for electricity, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for housing, and Jan Dhan and DPI for banking.

In states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, deprivation has markedly decreased, and access to basic needs has significantly improved.

According to NITI Aayog’s Multi-Dimensional Poverty Report, a staggering 1,35,69,242 people in, 40,18,328 in Chhattisgarh, and 1,08,16,230 in Rajasthan have successfully risen out of multi-dimensional poverty.

The numbers speak for themselves. Such stark improvements within such a short period are evidence of how the policy has directly made the lives of people at the grassroots better. That is what has translated into votes for the BJP.

Additionally, the electorate has astutely recognised that even if the state government is of a different party, it is the initiatives implemented by the central government that have played a pivotal role in enhancing their living standards. This understanding underscores the significant impact of the Union government’s programs on improving the daily lives of citizens.

Furthermore, the schemes of the Union government demonstrate impartiality regarding the identity of their beneficiaries. This conclusion is supported by the findings of a working paper authored by Dr. Shamika Ravi, member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

This analysis, which encompassed a nationally representative sample of over 1.2 million households spanning the years 2015–16 and 2019–21, revealed no evidence of governmental bias favouring the Hindu majority or discrimination based on the religious composition of districts.

The analysis specifically examined access to electricity, bank accounts, mobile phones, and toilets, uncovering widespread benefits across various religious and social groups. Notably, the data indicated that, in some cases, minority groups experienced greater gains than the majority. This evidence underscores the neutrality of these schemes in addressing the needs of diverse communities.

Therefore, it is abundantly clear that the electorate prefers dignity and long-term development over immediate freebies. And that is precisely what is getting rewarded in the elections, at least in MP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan where the impact of the Union government’s programs is clearly visible.

Voters’ focus is on transformative policies that promise a better future, not just for themselves but more importantly for their children. They are drawn to visions that promise stability and progress, rather than transient dole-outs. This perspective highlights a voter’s desire for sustainable solutions that address core issues, rather than fleeting tokens of appeasement.

In this context, the intelligence of voters is not in question; rather, it is their aspirations for a dignified and promising future that takes centre stage.

Aditya Sinha is Officer on Special Duty, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Tweets @adityasinha004. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.