Whether competitive populism works is becoming doubtful with every passing election, but that does not stop Tamil Nadu parties from promising freebies in poll manifestoes.The latest that has caught popular attention is AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa's promise to give 50% subsidy to women buying scooters.
The origin of freebies can be traced to the midday meal scheme introduced by former CM K Kamaraj. M G Ramachandran improved it as the nutritious meal scheme, also began distribution of free saris and dhotis. But both schemes had far-reaching socio-economic rationale. While the noon-meal scheme increased enrolment and retention of girls in schools, government's purchase of saris and dhotis provided employment to poor weavers, said a former bureaucrat.
The culture of freebies in the present form and scale was started by DMK in 2006 when it promised free colour TVs to all households. It also promised ration rice at `2 a kg. Still, the party fell short of majority and was dependent on Congress to form government. Five years later, AIADMK made a comeback with promises like free mixie and grinder. In both the elections, it was the opposition that came to power with the promise of freebies. Alliances also played an important role in the electoral outcome.
Freebies cannot win votes forever, said political analyst Raveenthiran Doraisamy.“Only a small section of voters get carried away by freebies because every political party uses this weapon. When a ruling party promises freebies, the question that arises is what prevented it from giving those sops in the last five years. People have realized that parties use it only to win elections. In a way , political parties are saying freebies are for the voters and the state is for politicians,“ he said.
Many voters hate the concept of freebies as it pulls the state into a debt trap, he said.
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