‘Freebies : An Unethical Dilemma’

The term freebie is a bad word in India. Pejorative connotation. Its practice gathers momentum close to elections. India is always in election mode, either in federal states or General elections across the country. The freebies as an integral part of Indian politics can destroy the basic foundation of society and the nation. One wonders whether similar unethical practices prevail in western democracies. Sri Lanka is the latest example for India for taking lessons. SL govt showered its generosity on its citizens by reducing taxes and providing free goods and services to please them by securing votes in the electoral battles. This led to collapse of its GDP, hitting the heavily indebted economy. Negative economic growth.  In India, things are far worse. Allurements are offered before and during the elections, liberally distributing currency notes tucked inside saris, sewing machines, bicycles, free electricity, water, TV sets, laptops, further enhancing the divide between the rich and poor. Massive burden on public exchequer. A fraud on tax payers. Worse still, loan waivers, fiscal profligacy, wasteful expenditure on procuring VIP-5 star planes equipped with missiles for three VVIPs have debilitating impact resulting in wonky priorities. Ministers and other VVIPs enjoy privileges in the form of rent-free bungalows, free electricity, water, costly cars, unlimited fuels, free air and rail travels with attendants. All out of taxpayers funds. Insensitive, unfazed, shameless dimwits and their chatukaars. Ministers, MPs, and MLAs, decide their salaries and massive allowances. Top judges select themselves. A unique practice in India and nowhere else. One must understand that such inhibited freebies add a burden to the macro-economically unstable foundation of our economy. Chief election commission is not bothered about unfair practices during elections. Flagrant violations of its orders. C&AG remains toothless, even gumless watchmen of public expenditure. Both are extended arms of the ruling dispensation. Legislative assemblies are not interested in reforms due to vested interests. Judiciary is scared of entering into direct confrontation with the political class. Why can't it have courage to declare freebies as bribery and lays down rules to punish both the bribe-givers and bribe takers?

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

Not just a Vote Katwa party

After the success in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party is eyeing Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The leaders of the party are engaged in presenting AAP as a better option in these states by giving examples of Delhi and Punjab. Elections in Gujarat and HP are scheduled by year end. The Congress party seems to be suffering the most due to AAP's growing stature. Things started changing in AAP's favour in Gujarat in February 2021, when it tasted its first major success -- in the Surat municipal polls. AAP now projects itself to be an alternative to both the BJP and the Congress in the state. Initially, the BJP must have felt that AAP’s emergence will indirectly benefit them as it would prove to be a Vote Katwa party thus harming the prospects of Cong. But BJP cannot dismiss AAP as just a Vote Katwa party. Recently, AAP also performed well in Madhya Pradesh civic polls.

Yogesh Gupta