Skip to main content

Freebies curse on people, end menace in elections to strengthen Indian democracy

By Sudhansu R Das 

Freebies in the election have become the single most potential threat to the economy, society, culture, politics and democracy. Freebies help the inefficient persons to rule the educated and the efficient people for decades. Once a leader grabs power with freebies he continues giving freebies to remain in power; it ruins the country beyond repair. When a building cracks it can be repaired; if a road has potholes it can be re-laid. If the human mind gets addicted to freebies it is difficult to repair. The result is a massive idle energy based vote bank which adversely affects people’s creativity, productivity and entrepreneurship. Freebies can weaken the nation from within as the core strength of the nation gets eroded. Ultimately it leads to loss of independence of minds and control over economic assets and natural resources.
Since independence, India has lost many generations of youth due to distribution of freebies. The freebie war has been intensified as the 2024 Lok Sabha election draws nearer. “Ye Dil Mange More”- political parties compete with one another to declare mountains of freebies due to the fear of losing elections. Today, no political party can win an election without promising freebies which becomes a curse on people after the election. The ever illusive freebies precipitate into endless sufferings for people; it drains the state’s exchequer and overburden people with various taxes; price rise in essential things like food, houses, education and health facilities etc torment people.
Today, the list of freebies gets longer which includes everything: house, food, loan waivers, land, pension, subsidies, computer, cycle, fridge, scooters, pilgrim tours, dinner party, cash, loan waivers, electricity and water etc. In fact, the freebies are given in one hand and double the amount of freebies in the form of taxes are collected in the other hand; it is just like money lending business. People are left at the mercy of private hospitals, private educational institutions, builders, greedy traders and middlemen who increase the price of their products and services at will in post election.
Over decades, freebies have created a Frankenstein monster; if the monster is not satisfied, it will devour the political parties within no time. “He has given me a free house, what will you give to me? '', asks the monster to the leader. How to get rid of this frankenstein monster- the Freebie is the biggest challenge before the country.
India desperately needs good educated leaders with courage and political skill; who can work relentlessly on various social and economic issues; who can educate voters what is good for them; who can tell voters the danger of freebie culture. Indian politics provides a huge opportunity to the strong, honest and efficient people to make a career. A vacuum has been created and the majority of people want the emergence of good leaders who will put their courageous step on the political field.
Politics is the only career which gives opportunity to people for giving seva to people; genuine seva gives immense pleasure to leaders who are honest and kind hearted. It is not necessary that the good people will win the election; but the ripple they will create by contesting the election can turn into a wave tomorrow and a storm later. India awaits for a deep churning of the ocean the way it was churned by gods and demons in Indian mythology. Educated, good and bold people stepping into the political field is the only way to save democracy, people, culture and the nation. Indian intellectual mass should act or cast aside their intellectual tag, social status, University degrees and accolades.

Comments

TRENDING

Grueling summer ahead: Cuttack’s alarming health trends and what they mean for Odisha

By Sudhansu R Das  The preparation to face the summer should begin early in Odisha. People in the state endure long, grueling summer months starting from mid-February and extending until the end of October. This prolonged heat adversely affects productivity, causes deaths and diseases, and impacts agriculture, tourism and the unorganized sector. The social, economic and cultural life of the state remains severely disrupted during the peak heat months.

Stronger India–Russia partnership highlights a missed energy breakthrough

By N.S. Venkataraman*  The recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India was widely publicized across several countries and has attracted significant global attention. The warmth with which Mr. Putin was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was particularly noted, prompting policy planners worldwide to examine the implications of this cordial relationship for the global economy and political climate. India–Russia relations have stood on a strong foundation for decades and have consistently withstood geopolitical shifts. This is in marked contrast to India’s ties with the United States, which have experienced fluctuations under different U.S. administrations.

Concerns raised over move to rename MGNREGA, critics call it politically motivated

By A Representative   Concerns have been raised over the Union government’s reported move to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with critics describing it as a politically motivated step rather than an administrative reform. They argue that the proposed change undermines the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and seeks to appropriate credit for a programme whose relevance has been repeatedly demonstrated, particularly during times of crisis.

From natural farming to fair prices: Young entrepreneurs show a new path

By Bharat Dogra   There have been frequent debates on agro-business companies not showing adequate concern for the livelihoods of small farmers. Farmers’ unions have often protested—generally with good reason—that while they do not receive fair returns despite high risks and hard work, corporate interests that merely process the crops produced by farmers earn disproportionately high profits. Hence, there is a growing demand for alternative models of agro-business development that demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting farmer livelihoods.

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor*  This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Why India must urgently strengthen its policies for an ageing population

By Bharat Dogra   A quiet but far-reaching demographic transformation is reshaping much of the world. As life expectancy rises and birth rates fall, societies are witnessing a rapid increase in the proportion of older people. This shift has profound implications for public policy, and the need to strengthen frameworks for healthy and secure ageing has never been more urgent. India is among the countries where these pressures will intensify most sharply in the coming decades.

Thota Sitaramaiah: An internal pillar of an underground organisation

By Harsh Thakor*  Thota Sitaramaiah was regarded within his circles as an example of the many individuals whose work in various underground movements remained largely unknown to the wider public. While some leaders become visible through organisational roles or media attention, many others contribute quietly, without public recognition. Sitaramaiah was considered one such figure. He passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 65.

School job scam and the future of university degree holders in West Bengal

By Harasankar Adhikari  The school recruitment controversy in West Bengal has emerged as one of the most serious governance challenges in recent years, raising concerns about transparency, institutional accountability, and the broader impact on society. Allegations that school jobs were obtained through irregular means have led to prolonged legal scrutiny, involving both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court of India. In one instance, a panel for high school teacher recruitment was ultimately cancelled after several years of service, following extended judicial proceedings and debate.