India has embraced a culture of freebies.

The culture of political giveaways has spiraled in recent years, becoming the cornerstone of many parties’ platforms. From free meals to subsidized utilities, the allure of “something for nothing” has morphed into a strategy for winning votes, often at the expense of fiscal responsibility.

Tracing its roots, this phenomenon emerged in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The late Chief Minister Kumaraswami Kamaraj pioneered the trend, offering free education and meals to schoolchildren in the 1950s. By 1967, Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai of the DMK further institutionalized this practice with the symbolic gesture of providing 4.5 kg of rice for pennies through the public distribution system. These early initiatives, while modest, set a precedent that has since escalated into extravagant promises—ranging from free color televisions to gas stoves and even land distribution.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took this tactic to new heights in Delhi and Punjab, offering free bus rides for women, subsidies on water and electricity, free WiFi, and waived fees for senior citizens and low-income families. The appeal of such measures is undeniable, but it has also led other political parties to follow suit, resulting in a nationwide competition of one-upmanship.

India’s central bank has flagged this trend, reporting that states like Jharkhand, Kerala, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh have significantly increased subsidies over the past three years. The debate over whether these freebies are beneficial or detrimental is as polarized as the political climate itself. While they undeniably assist the underprivileged, they also burden state finances. The allure of short-term gains from these handouts could lead to long-term economic instability. According to PRS Legislative Research, 11 states are projected to run revenue deficits in 2023–2024, with some, like Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal, facing severe fiscal challenges.

The proliferation of freebies is a major driver of rising public debt, necessitating higher taxes, which, in turn, raises the cost of living. This vicious cycle forces states to divert funds from essential welfare programs to politically motivated projects, ultimately undermining the populace’s well-being. Two critical issues arise from this practice: the misuse of public funds for political gain and the potential for deepening states’ financial instability.

Some economists argue the situation could be far worse if every political promise were kept. The reality is that many promises remain unfulfilled, and while this may spare the economy from immediate collapse, it also highlights the hollow nature of these electoral pledges. Political parties often prioritize power over policy, handing out freebies without considering their long-term consequences.

The challenge is for political parties to strike a balance—supporting the truly needy without encouraging a culture of dependency and corruption. Welfare programs should focus on sustainable development that enhances public health and well-being. Ultimately, the voters hold the key to ending or perpetuating this cycle. A consensus on curbing irrational giveaways is crucial to ensuring empty promises do not sway the electorate. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections served as a turning point, where the electorate decisively rejected the so-called “Revadi Culture,” setting a precedent for future governance.