Political Freebies In Kerala Election Promises And Welfare Distribution

The phenomenon of political freebies has become a significant aspect of electoral politics in Kerala, India, with major political parties increasingly using welfare promises and material benefits to garner voter support. This article examines the practice of offering freebies in Kerala's political landscape, the government's welfare distribution programs, and the ongoing debate about the ethics and impact of such practices.

Election Strategies and Freebie Promises

In Kerala, the competition between political fronts has increasingly manifested through promises of material benefits and welfare measures. The ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) has been actively promoting budget announcements as part of its election strategy, scaling up propaganda efforts to communicate these promises directly to voters. With limited time remaining before assembly elections, the LDF has shown little concern about the potential financial liabilities associated with implementing popular schemes, indicating a willingness to prioritize short-term electoral gains over fiscal prudence.

The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has responded by preparing its own election manifesto, with indications suggesting that both major fronts will focus heavily on welfare measures and development initiatives to attract voters. Interestingly, the LDF has reportedly been directing its MLAs to convert budget promises into votes, despite the understanding that whichever government comes to power will present a fresh budget after elections. This strategy appears designed to use the last budget as a de facto election manifesto to appeal to voters.

The entry of Tamil Nadu-based political parties like AIADMK, led by Jayalalithaa, has further influenced Kerala's political landscape. Traditional Left and Congress leaders in Kerala have reportedly been forced into competitive populism, with cycles, saris, laptops, and even kitchen utensils finding places in political manifestos. This represents a shift from Kerala's previous political culture, where material freebies were less prominent compared to neighboring states.

Government Welfare Programs

Beyond election promises, the Kerala government has implemented various welfare distribution programs, particularly during festivals and in response to emergencies. Notably, during the Onam festival, the government has provided Onakodi (new clothes for Onam) to specific populations. In 2019, this initiative included:

• All individuals staying in flood relief camps across the state, with 23 relief camps housing 502 families (1,245 people) in Malappuram, Wayanad, and coastal regions of Trivandrum
• Scheduled Tribe members above the age of 60, with an estimated 60,000 people from this community benefitting
• Funding for these programs was sourced from the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Funds (CMDRF)

Similar distribution of Onakkodis had also been carried out during the previous year's deluge, indicating a pattern of using festival celebrations as opportunities for welfare distribution. The government's approach appears to frame these initiatives as essential aspects of festival celebration rather than purely political handouts.

Debate on Freebies vs. Welfare

The practice of distributing freebies has sparked significant debate among political observers and policymakers in Kerala. Former Health Minister K K Shailaja, representing CPI(M), has defended welfare measures, arguing that governments should provide social welfare pensions and scholarships to support the public, emphasizing that these should not be treated merely as "favours" but as essential entitlements.

Conversely, critics like former Chief Secretary CP Nair have expressed strong opposition to freebies, describing them as "a foolish and heinous act that belittles the voters." Nair advocates for manifestos to focus on general policy statements rather than material incentives, suggesting that specific solutions to particular problems (such as tribal welfare) might be acceptable exceptions.

Dijo Kappan, Managing Trustee of the Centre for Consumer Education, Palai, has characterized the offering of freebies as equivalent to bribing voters. While acknowledging that such tactics might be effective in neighboring Tamil Nadu, Kappan questions their impact in Kerala, where he suggests many voters have a "psyche rooted in leftist ideals" and may accept freebies as their right while still voting according to their political preferences.

The BJP's perspective, as articulated by spokesman JR Padmakumar, views freebies as an unhealthy democratic tendency. Padmakumar argues that instead of material handouts, people should be provided with means for livelihood and infrastructure for overall development, such as schools and transportation facilities. This perspective aligns with the party's apparent decision not to focus on freebies in its election manifestos.

Regional Comparisons and Precedents

Kerala's approach to freebies exists within a broader regional context, particularly influenced by neighboring Tamil Nadu's political culture. The AIADMK's entry into Kerala's political arena has brought with it the freebie practices that characterized Tamil Nadu politics under Jayalalithaa. This influence is evident in campaign promises that include laptops, study materials, uniforms for school students, and even household items like LCD televisions, washing machines, and grinders.

The impact of Tamil Nadu's freebie culture on Kerala is further highlighted by historical precedents. In one instance, the distribution of free saris during elections led to a stampede resulting in two deaths, demonstrating the potential dangers and chaotic outcomes of such practices.

Kerala's political environment presents some unique characteristics compared to other Indian states. The state has traditionally been relatively immune to the most extreme forms of freebie culture witnessed in some neighboring regions. However, the competitive electoral dynamics and the influence of Tamil Nadu-based parties appear to be eroding this distinction.

Fiscal Implications and Implementation Challenges

The distribution of freebies carries significant fiscal implications for state governments. In Kerala's case, the practice of sanctioning assistance on the spot during mass contact programs resulted in substantial financial disbursements. During one five-year period, approximately Rs 798.73 crore was disbursed to 7.89 lakh applicants, highlighting the substantial financial commitment required to sustain such programs.

Election-related disbursements have sometimes created contentious situations. In one instance, daily disbursals jumped 52-fold compared to average disbursals in the previous five years when elections were announced. By the election date, Rs 44.54 crore remained pending disbursement to 40,000 beneficiaries. While the Election Commission objected to these remaining payments, the Kerala High Court permitted them following petitions by beneficiaries, illustrating the legal and procedural complexities surrounding freebie distribution.

Conclusion

The practice of freebies in Kerala represents a complex intersection of electoral politics, welfare distribution, and socioeconomic policy. While framed by some as essential welfare measures and by others as problematic electoral bribes, these initiatives have become an increasingly prominent feature of Kerala's political landscape. The influence of neighboring Tamil Nadu's freebie culture, combined with competitive electoral dynamics between major political fronts, has contributed to this trend.

As Kerala continues to navigate the balance between welfare provision and fiscal responsibility, the debate over freebies is likely to persist. The distinction between legitimate welfare programs and problematic electoral incentives remains a contentious issue, with valid arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the long-term impact of these practices on Kerala's political culture, fiscal health, and democratic processes will continue to be a subject of discussion and analysis.

Sources

1. Freebies is new poll mantra in Kerala as LDF, UDF gear up for elections
2. Kerala govt announces Onam freebies to flood hit
3. After Tamil Nadu, Kerala politicians turn to freebies for votes
4. CPI (M)'s K K Shailaja justifies freebies, says should continue till people's issues get resolved
5. Tharoor Line | Freebies vs welfare projects: What's the difference?