Political Freebies And Promises During Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections

Dec. 3, 2025, 7:04 a.m.

Political freebies have emerged as a central attraction in the Uttar Pradesh (UP) assembly elections, with most major political parties making significant promises of various benefits and free services to voters if they form the next government. These freebies span multiple categories including electricity, food items, financial assistance, and consumer goods, reflecting the competitive nature of election campaigning in India's most populous state.

Major Political Parties and Their Freebie Promises

Almost all political parties in Uttar Pradesh, from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to Samajwadi Party (SP), Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have incorporated freebies as a key component of their election strategies. The promises vary in nature and scope but are designed to appeal to different voter demographics across the state.

Samajwadi Party Promises

The Samajwadi Party has been particularly active in offering freebies, with several significant promises:

Free electricity of 300 units to consumers
Waiver of outstanding power bills
Free ration for five years, including mustard oil
Two gas cylinders per year
One kilogram of ghee for the poor
Free two-wheelers and smartphones for girls

During an election rally in Rae Bareli, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav emphasized the continuation of free ration programs, stating: "The poor, who are availing their rations, will get it till the elections. As long as there is an SP government, we will give ration to our poor. Along with it, we will give mustard oil as well as two cylinders in a year. To see that the health of our poor gets better, one kilogram of ghee will also be given."

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Promises

The Aam Aadmi Party, relatively new to Uttar Pradesh politics, has also joined the freebie race with promises similar to those implemented in Delhi:

Free electricity of 300 units
Waiver of outstanding power bills

AAP claims to have "expertise" in implementing free electricity based on their experience in Delhi.

Targeted Freebies by Demographic

The political parties have strategically tailored their freebie promises to specific voter groups, recognizing the diverse needs and concerns across Uttar Pradesh's population.

Electricity Freebies

Free electricity has emerged as one of the most impactful promises, with both AAP and SP offering 300 free units of electricity. This promise has gained significant traction because over 2.4 crore power consumers reside in urban areas, where rising electricity costs represent a major concern for households.

Farmer-Specific Promises

Recognizing agriculture as a primary occupation in Uttar Pradesh, parties have made specific promises to farmers:

Crop loan waiver
Restoration of the state's highest civilian award Yash Bharati

Women and Youth Promises

Several parties have targeted younger voters and women with specific promises:

Free two-wheelers for girls
Smartphones for girls
Unemployment allowance

Implementation and Duration Concerns

Questions have been raised regarding the sustainability and duration of these freebie promises. During a rally, Akhilesh Yadav addressed concerns about the continuity of free ration programs, noting that while the current government had extended ration availability until March after initially setting a November deadline, an SP government would ensure continued provision.

The Samajwadi leader emphasized: "Earlier it was to be given till November but when the UP elections were announced, they said they would get it till March... As long as there is an SP government, we will give ration to our poor."

Election Context

The Uttar Pradesh assembly elections were conducted in phases for the 403-member legislative assembly. The first and second phases took place on February 10 and 14, 2022, with the remaining five phases scheduled for February 20, 23, 27, and March 3 and 7. The vote counting was held on March 10, 2022.

Political Significance of Freebies

The prominence of freebies in UP elections reflects a broader trend in Indian politics where material benefits often play a crucial role in voter decision-making. Political analysts note that while development and governance remain important factors, direct benefits and freebies have become increasingly significant in election campaigns, particularly in states with high poverty rates and economic challenges.

Conclusion

The Uttar Pradesh elections highlighted how freebies have become a central element of political campaigning in India. From electricity waivers to food items and consumer goods, political parties have made extensive promises targeting various voter segments. The most significant promises included free electricity, which affected the largest number of voters, along with food items like ghee and cooking oil, financial assistance, and consumer goods like smartphones and two-wheelers. These freebies, while potentially addressing immediate needs of voters, also raise questions about fiscal sustainability and long-term governance priorities.