Delhi’s ‘freebie’ anchored political campaigns pose fundamental questions

The role of freebies in state elections highlights a significant shift in voter priorities from identity-based politics to performance-based governance.

The rise of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi serves as a compelling case study in leveraging welfare schemes to secure electoral success. The party’s last two landslide victories in the state were largely credited to its promises and delivery of freebies that manifested as subsidized utilities such as electricity and water, free public services like bus rides for women, and affordable healthcare through Mohalla Clinics. These initiatives not only tackled the pressing needs of the urban poor but also fostered a perception of a governance model centered on public welfare and inclusive development.

Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress had criticized this approach as populist, arguing that it burdened the exchequer and promoted fiscal irresponsibility. AAP supporters, on the other hand, had defended these measures as democratic inclusivity by means of bridging the gap between governance and the underprivileged.

To better understand the role of freebies in Delhi’s political landscape, it is crucial to compare this trend with the enduring tradition of caste-based politics, another significant factor influencing Indian polity.

Caste on the back burner?

Caste has historically been a decisive factor in our elections, with political parties aligning themselves with dominant caste groups to secure votes. While this trend continues to influence electoral outcomes across the country, its relevance has been comparatively limited in Delhi due to its diverse and cosmopolitan demography.

Although only in limited scope, the success of welfare politics in Delhi is indeed a shift away from caste-based mobilization. AAP's initiatives in education and healthcare have benefited the society, transcending caste and religious lines. This has resonated particularly with the middle and lower-income groups, who form a significant portion of the electorate.

Broader implications in the backdrop of the Mandal fallout

The question remains whether this trend of welfare-centric politics will extend beyond Delhi and overshadow caste-based politics in other states. The Mandal Commission report was a watershed moment in understanding caste dynamics in Indian politics. Its findings on the underrepresentation of backward castes in public services and education, along with its recommendations for reservations, brought caste-based disparities to the forefront of national discourse.

It is undeniable that the implementation of Mandal Commission’s recommendations transformed our political landscape, empowering regional parties centered on caste representation. The report’s legacy persists today, as caste-based reservations continue to influence electoral strategies and voter alignments, underscoring both the importance and the complexities of addressing historical inequities through policy.

Caste vs welfare politics

Caste-based policies aim to address historical inequities even as welfare schemes attempt to create a more inclusive governance model. Welfare politics is not without its own share of troubles. The financial implications of freebies are often debated because expenditures could lead to fiscal deficits if not managed prudently.

In comparison, caste-based politics frequently hinges on symbolic actions, such as allocating tickets to candidates from specific communities, pledging increased reservations, and advocating for the inclusion of additional ethnic groups within the reservation ambit. While these strategies have a lower immediate fiscal impact, they can exacerbate social divisions and perpetuate identity politics.

Freebies are a tangible electoral promise

Not long ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had himself called the trend of offering freebies as "revdi culture," but his party too came to a pragmatic realization later that they are essential for securing votes, in addition to ensuring social justice. The broad success of welfare schemes has prompted all parties to adopt similar strategies as evident from their electoral promises in several states over the last few months, more apparently in Delhi, thereby reshaping the national political discourse.

Caste politics, while less prominent in Delhi, continues to wield significant influence in many parts of India. The challenge for political leaders lies in balancing the need to address historical injustices through caste-based policies, and promoting inclusive development and welfare for all, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility in governance.

The role of freebies in state elections highlights a significant shift in voter priorities from identity-based politics to performance-based governance. While caste remains a critical factor in the larger picture, the Delhi model demonstrates the potential of welfare schemes to unite diverse populations around shared developmental goals, but the sustainability of such measures depends on prudent fiscal management and long-term economic planning. As Delhi continues to set a precedent, the debate over the merits and demerits of freebies versus caste politics is likely to shape the future of Indian democracy.