Influence Of Freebies On Political Choices Of A Citizen - A Critical Study
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INFLUENCE OF FREEBIES ON POLITICAL CHOICES OF A
CITIZEN: A CRITICAL STUDY
Shubh Agarwal, National Law Institute University, Bhopal Introduction Freebies play a major role in influencing the voting behaviour of people. Nowadays, they have become the instrument of the political parties for securing the votes by promising the benefits. Instead of using them for the welfare purposes they have pulled them into the political domain. In contemporary democratic systems, electoral competition is often marked by a growing trend of political parties offering various forms of material benefits, commonly referred to as "freebies," to the electorate. These promises range from free electricity, food grains, and healthcare to financial incentives such as direct cash transfers.
The distribution of freebies is not limited to developing nations, though it is particularly pronounced in countries like India, where socioeconomic inequalities and underdevelopment create fertile ground for such political strategies. At first glance, these offers may seem like tools to alleviate poverty and promote welfare. However, the underlying dynamics are far more complex and raise critical questions about the role of freebies in shaping political choices and, ultimately, the democratic process itself. Political parties have changed the foundational basis of what they were made for. They consider them as the electoral strategies for shaping the voter preferences and behaviour and in turn impacting the electoral decisions. This is one of the key concerns surrounding the use of freebies in elections is their impact on the quality of democracy.
Democracies rely on the informed consent of the governed, wherein citizens are expected to make decisions based on their understanding of policy positions, governance records, and visions for the future. However, when elections are driven by the attractive immediate material benefits, the electorate may be biased by short-term considerations, ignoring the larger picture of governance. This shift has the potential to destroy the very essence of democracy by encouraging a transactional relationship between the state and its citizens.
Careful study of freebies is important from a political perspective so as to understand how these dynamics affects the voter behaviour and the democratic process of the governance. Review of Literature • Avinash Kumar and Manish Kumar, ‘Political Aspects of Freebies’, Economic and Political Weekly, 2022 This article explores the growing role of freebies in electoral politics, particularly in India. They argue that the practice of offering material incentives, such as free electricity, food, and other welfare goods, has become a pervasive tool for political parties to sway voters. Their literature review critically engages with existing scholarship that highlights both the positive and negative aspects of freebies in democratic governance. On one hand, this article acknowledges studies that suggest freebies can alleviate poverty and provide immediate relief to marginalized communities.
However, they also draw on critical works that highlight the detrimental long-term effects of such policies, including fiscal irresponsibility, voter manipulation, and the erosion of substantive political debate. The authors emphasize that while welfare measures are crucial, over-reliance on freebies creates a transactional relationship between voters and the state, which ultimately undermines the democratic process. 1 • Prashanth Perumal, ‘Freebie Politics in India’, The Hindu, 2022 This article critically examines the increasing trend of political parties offering freebies during elections. It contextualizes this practice within the Indian political landscape, where parties frequently promise free electricity, food, healthcare, and even direct cash transfers to win votes.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of welfare programs aimed at alleviating poverty, the editorial highlights the negative consequences of freebie politics. The article draws on existing scholarship that critiques freebies for undermining democratic governance by reducing elections to transactional exchanges. It argues that the focus on shortterm material gains often distracts from larger policy debates and governance issues, leading
1 Avinash Kumar & Manish Kumar, Political Aspects of Freebies, 57 ECON. & POL. WKLY. (2022),
https://www.epw.in/journal/2022/52/insight/political-aspects-%E2%80%98freebies%E2%80%99.html (last visited Oct. 6, 2024).
to a weakening of democratic accountability. Furthermore, the editorial raises concerns over the financial sustainability of such promises, which often strain government budgets and divert resources from essential long-term development goals. In conclusion, it calls for a more informed public discourse and stricter electoral guidelines to curb the misuse of freebies. 2 • Sai S. , ‘Freebies in Politics: A Boon or Bane’, LinkedIn, 2023 This piece critically analyses the practice of distributing freebies in political campaigns, focusing on both its advantages and drawbacks. The article draws on various studies and realworld examples to explore how freebies, such as free electricity, food subsidies, and financial handouts, can provide short-term relief to economically vulnerable populations, thereby helping parties win voter support. However, Sai S.
argues that the over-reliance on freebies can have long-term negative effects on governance and democratic processes. Citing research that emphasizes the fiscal strain these promises place on government resources, the article highlights how freebies often lead to unsustainable public debt and neglect of critical sectors such as healthcare and education. The piece concludes by stressing the importance of voters making informed decisions based on long-term policy goals, rather than short-term material gains, to preserve the integrity of democratic governance. 3 • Freebies: A Violation of Constitutional Provisions, The Hindu, 2016 This article critically examines the impact of freebies in electoral politics, focusing on how they may conflict with constitutional principles.
Drawing from legal and academic literature, the article explores the argument that the indiscriminate distribution of freebies by political parties could undermine the core democratic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, such as equality, responsible governance, and financial prudence. Citing judicial rulings and scholarly opinions, the article emphasizes that while welfare schemes are constitutional and essential for addressing poverty and inequality, unchecked freebie distribution can lead to fiscal mismanagement and create a culture of dependence. This 2 Prashanth Perumal, Freebie Politics in India, THE HINDU (2022), https://www. thehindu. com/podcast/shouldthere-be-limits-on-freebies-the-hindu-parley-podcast/article65784586. ece (last visited Oct. 6, 2024). 3 Sai S. , Freebies in Politics: A Boon or Bane, LINKEDIN (2023), https://www. linkedin.
com/pulse/freebiespolitics-boon-bane-sai-sruthi (last visited Oct. 6, 2024).
practice often shifts political focus from substantive policy reform to short-term material incentives, weakening electoral integrity. The article further discusses how the Election Commission of India and the judiciary have grappled with setting clear boundaries on freebies to ensure they align with constitutional mandates of fairness and fiscal responsibility. 4 • ‘Political Manipulation’, Election Commission of India The Election Commission of India is this article highlights the complex challenges faced by the institution in safeguarding electoral integrity. Scholarly works and legal commentaries examine the ECI’s role in curbing political manipulation, particularly the misuse of freebies, money power, and media influence during elections.
Researchers argue that while the ECI has been instrumental in maintaining democratic processes, political parties often attempt to exploit loopholes, blurring the line between welfare schemes and electoral bribery. Several studies emphasize the ECI's initiatives, such as the Model Code of Conduct, to ensure free and fair elections, but also discuss the limitations in enforcing strict guidelines, especially in controlling the promise of freebies. Literature also explores landmark judicial interventions and reforms that have shaped the ECI’s powers to monitor political manipulation. Despite these efforts, the challenge remains in balancing welfare commitments with ethical election practices, ensuring that electoral choices are not unduly influenced by populist tactics.
Statement of Problem The project seeks to critically examines and analyse the repercussions of freebies on the political choices of a citizen. Further, it will get into how it impacts the democratic process of governance and its implication on the economy and the legal provisions that regulates the distribution of freebies and the breach of such provisions by the political parties. Hypothesis The distribution of freebies by political parties during election campaigns significantly influences voters' choices, particularly among economically vulnerable populations, leading 4 Freebies: A Violation of Constitutional Provisions, THE HINDU (2016), https://www. thehindu. com/news (last visited Oct. 6, 2024)
them to prioritize short-term material benefits over long-term policy considerations when casting their votes. Research Questions This project aims to answer the following questions: • What are freebies and how its meaning changed? (Distinguishing them from the other schemes) • How freebies impact the democratic process of the governance? • What are the economic implications of freebies? • What are the legal provisions that regulates the distribution of the freebies? Research Objectives The following are the objectives of this research: • To trace the origin of the practice of giving freebies and its evolution. • To analyse the impact of freebies on voter behaviour. • To assess the democratic implications of freebie politics. • To evaluate the long-term economic consequences of freebie-driven politics.
• To explore the legal and constitutional boundaries surrounding freebies in electoral processes. Research Methodology This project has been made using the doctrinal method of research. Various primary resources such as scholarly articles, as well as secondary sources like books, journal articles, and commentaries were accessed to make this project. The information thus collected has been thoroughly studied and critically analyzed.
Part I: Origin and Evolution of Freebies The concept of freebies in politics refers to the distribution of goods, services, or monetary incentives promised or given by political parties to voters, often during election campaigns. While welfare measures and state support are common practices in governance, the deliberate offering of "free" items in exchange for political support has a more complex origin and evolution, rooted in both historical practices and modern political strategies. Origin of the Practice of Freebies • Ancient Origins of Patronage The practice of offering material benefits to gain political or social favour dates back to ancient civilizations. In Ancient Rome, for example, the "bread and circuses" (panem et circenses) policy was used by leaders to keep the public content and distracted from political issues by providing free grain and entertainment.
This marked one of the earliest instances where ruling powers provided material benefits to maintain public approval and political stability. Similarly, various monarchs and feudal lords in medieval times offered lands or titles to their supporters to ensure loyalty, a form of early patronage that reflected the transactional nature of political relations. 5 • Colonial and Post-Colonial Periods In more recent history, the practice of offering freebies as part of political campaigns took root during the colonial and post-colonial periods, particularly in developing countries. As newly independent nations like India emerged, political parties began using welfare promises to attract a largely impoverished electorate. The state became the primary provider of essential services, and political leaders recognized the potential of appealing to voters' immediate material needs.
In India, for example, post-independence leaders offered welfare schemes and subsidies to large sections of the rural population to address poverty, inequality and various other issues. While these welfare measures were legitimate, their evolution into electoral freebies became 5 L. Reitzer, The Welfare System of Ancient Rome, NEUTRAL HIST. (2022), https://neutralhistory. com/thewelfare-system-of-ancient-rome-explained/ (last visited Oct. 6, 2024).
apparent with the emergence of new political parties and intensification of competition among political parties. Political parties began promising not just welfare benefits but also items like free electricity, food grains, bicycles, televisions, and even cash incentives in an attempt to secure vote banks. Nowadays they even began giving free laptops, computers and other electronic devices to get more votes. Evolution of Freebies in Modern Democracies The modern practice of using freebies as an electoral tool intensified in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially in developing countries like India. The economic liberalization of the 1990s brought new challenges and growing inequalities, prompting political parties to offer targeted benefits to specific sections of society to secure their votes. As competition increased, so did the nature and scope of freebies.
Political parties started offering not only subsidies on basic services but also more tangible, immediate material incentives. For instance, state governments in India began offering free laptops, mobile phones, household appliances, and even farm loan waivers to win elections. This marked the transition of freebies from welfare-oriented policies to overt political strategies designed to sway voting patterns. While freebie politics is more prevalent in developing democracies like India, it has also appeared in other global contexts. In the United States, political campaigns often include promises of tax cuts or relief packages to certain sections of the electorate, appealing to both middle-class and corporate interests.
In Latin America, countries like Venezuela and Brazil have witnessed extensive use of state-sponsored welfare programs, which some critics argue were designed to maintain political power. Freebie politics continues to evolve in the present era. The rise of populism has further entrenched the use of such promises, where political leaders capitalize on people's discontent with economic inequality by offering immediate relief through material incentives. This evolution has led to increasing concerns about the long-term sustainability of such measures, both economically and democratically. Political parties now face the challenge of balancing populist promises with responsible governance, as unchecked freebies often result in fiscal mismanagement and voter disillusionment.
The judicial and electoral bodies, such as the Election Commission of India, have also started grappling with the need to regulate freebies to ensure they do not undermine democratic integrity. However, defining a clear boundary between necessary welfare measures and unethical electoral tactics remains a challenge. As political parties continue to exploit short-term material incentives to secure votes, the longterm impact on democratic decision-making and fiscal responsibility becomes a critical issue for both voters and policymakers. Part II: Impact of Freebies The impact of freebies in politics goes beyond just winning elections and affects how governments function and how democracy works. While giving things like free electricity, food, or money can help poor people in the short term, it often causes problems in the long run.
It can put a strain on the government’s budget, take away funds from important areas like education and healthcare, and distract voters from focusing on important policies. Freebies can also create a "give-and-take" relationship between voters and politicians, which weakens the democratic process by making people focus on quick benefits rather than the thoughtful decisions. Impact of Freebies on Voting Behaviour One of the most significant impacts of freebies is the shift in voter focus from long-term governance to short-term gains. Voters, particularly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, may prioritize immediate benefits like free electricity, food, or cash transfers over broader policy considerations.
This shift reduces political campaigns to transactional exchanges, where promises of free items become more important than substantive debates on economic growth, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Freebies, therefore, contribute to a culture of dependency, where voters come to expect material incentives in exchange for their support, weakening the integrity of electoral choices. Moreover, freebies disproportionately affect the voting behaviour of marginalized and economically weaker sections of society. These voters are more likely to be swayed by immediate benefits due to their economic vulnerabilities. Political parties exploit this by offering targeted freebies to secure their vote banks. In this scenario, voting behaviour is shaped
more by short-term personal benefits than by rational evaluation of the party's policies or its ability to deliver good governance. This not only distorts the electoral process but also undermines the role of informed decision-making in a democracy. Another impact is on the electoral competition itself. Parties, in an effort to outdo each other, promise increasingly unsustainable freebies, leading to a race to the bottom. This results in fiscal burdens on the state, as these promises strain government resources and often result in public debt or cuts to essential services like healthcare and education. Voters, focusing on the immediate benefits, may overlook the long-term economic consequences, which could include a lack of development and financial instability. Freebies also create an unfair advantage in elections.
Well-funded parties are better positioned to offer larger and more attractive incentives, marginalizing smaller or less resourceful parties. This creates an imbalance in political competition and diminishes the principle of free and fair elections. In Election Commission of India v Janata Dal6, the Court discussed the importance of regulating such practices to protect the integrity of elections, as unchecked freebies undermine democratic values. Thus, while freebies may offer short-term relief to voters, their long-term impact on voting behaviour and democratic governance is deeply concerning. Implications on Democratic Process The practice of distributing freebies during elections has significant implications for the democratic process, particularly in terms of electoral integrity, governance, and voter behaviour.
Freebies, which are material benefits such as free electricity, cash transfers, or household goods offered by political parties, can distort the essential principles of democracy by shifting the focus away from policy debates and toward transactional exchanges. One of the most serious implications is the erosion of informed electoral choice. Democracy thrives on the active participation of citizens who make decisions based on a critical assessment of a party’s policies, governance record, and vision for the future. When political parties offer freebies, voters, especially those from economically disadvantaged sections, may prioritize short-term personal gains over long-term policy considerations. This reduces elections to a
6 Election Commission of India v Janata Dal, (2004) 2 SCC 376 (India).
contest of who can offer more material benefits rather than who can deliver better governance. In turn, this undermines the ability of voters to make informed choices that are essential for the healthy functioning of a democracy. Additionally, the competitive nature of electoral politics fuels an unsustainable race for distributing more and larger freebies, which can weaken governance. Political parties, in their eagerness to secure votes, often make promises that lead to fiscal mismanagement. These freebies place a significant burden on state resources, diverting funds away from essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. In the long run, this results in poor governance as the state struggles to meet its developmental goals. The unsustainable nature of these giveaways was highlighted in K. K.
Verma v State of Uttar Pradesh7, where it was noted that excessive reliance on freebies can drain public resources and damage long-term state welfare. Another implication is the distortion of political competition. Larger, wealthier parties are often better positioned to offer enticing freebies, giving them an unfair advantage over smaller or less resourceful parties. This creates an uneven playing field, which weakens the principle of fair competition, a cornerstone of democratic elections. In Election Commission of India v Janata Dal, the Court acknowledged the need for regulatory oversight to ensure that election practices, including the distribution of freebies, do not compromise the fairness of elections. Freebies also tend to foster a dependency culture among voters.
Instead of engaging critically with political platforms and policies, voters may begin to expect material rewards in exchange for their votes, which diminishes the role of political accountability. Politicians, rather than being judged on their performance in office, may be elected based on their ability to offer quick material benefits, weakening democratic accountability. Long- Term Economic Implications The long-term economic implications of distributing freebies during election campaigns are profound, particularly in terms of fiscal sustainability, resource allocation, and economic development. One of the primary concerns is the strain that freebies place on government finances. Freebies
7 K.K. Verma v State of Uttar Pradesh, (2006) 2 SCC 505 (India).
such as free electricity, farm loan waivers, or cash transfers require significant financial resources. In many cases, governments resort to borrowing or diverting funds from crucial sectors to fulfil these promises, leading to increased public debt. Over time, this can result in a fiscal deficit, which hampers the government's ability to invest in long-term development projects such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. When resources are spent on shortterm giveaways, the capacity to undertake essential public investments for sustainable economic growth is compromised. Moreover, freebies can distort the economic decision-making process by creating a culture of dependency among citizens. When voters come to expect free services or goods from political parties, it reduces incentives for self-sufficiency and innovation.
This dependency on government handouts can limit economic productivity, especially if citizens rely on these benefits instead of actively participating in the economy through employment or entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the final burden of these giveaways falls back on those who are enjoying them, as the government may later impose taxes or cut essential services to manage fiscal deficits, leading to increased financial strain on the very beneficiaries of freebies. Freebies also lead to inefficiency in resource allocation. Instead of investing in public goods that benefit society, such as better infrastructure, education, or healthcare systems, governments allocate funds to populist schemes that yield immediate political gains but lack long-term economic benefits. This misallocation of resources results in underinvestment in sectors crucial for sustainable development.
Furthermore, the continued use of freebies can erode investor confidence. Fiscal mismanagement, rising public debt, and inefficient governance create a perception of economic instability. This can deter both domestic and foreign investors from investing in the economy, stifling economic growth and reducing the potential for job creation and innovation. In the long run, while freebies may provide short-term political gains, they undermine economic growth and fiscal health, ultimately burdening the very individuals who initially benefited from these schemes. Part III: Legal Boundaries The practice of offering freebies in politics, especially in electoral campaigns, is bounded by
several legal and constitutional provisions in India aimed at ensuring free and fair elections, maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, and protecting public funds. Key legal and constitutional articles and laws that regulate this practice include:
1. Representation of the People Act, 1951: This Act governs the conduct of elections
and includes provisions to regulate electoral practices. Section 171B specifically addresses the issue of bribery, prohibiting the offer or acceptance of any gift, gratification, or reward in exchange for votes. Freebies can be interpreted as a form of bribery if offered to influence voters.
2. Election Commission Guidelines: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued
guidelines to regulate the distribution of freebies during elections. In its directives, the ECI emphasizes that promises of free services must not distort the electoral process or compromise the integrity of elections.
3. Judicial Pronouncements: The Supreme Court of India, in cases like Election
Commission of India v Janata Dal, has highlighted the need for regulating freebies to protect electoral integrity. Courts have underscored the importance of maintaining a level playing field in elections to ensure that financial muscle does not unduly influence voter behavior.
4. Public Finance Management: Freebies funded by public money raise questions about
the prudent use of taxpayer funds, invoking principles of accountability and fiscal responsibility, which are supported by various financial regulations and audits. Together, these legal and constitutional provisions aim to curtail the misuse of freebies in electoral politics, promoting a democratic environment where voters make informed choices based on policies rather than material incentives. Conclusion & Suggestions In conclusion, the practice of offering freebies in electoral politics poses significant challenges to the integrity of democratic processes and the effective management of public resources. While such incentives can provide immediate relief to voters, they often undermine informed decision-making, foster dependency, and place a strain on government finances. Legal and
constitutional frameworks exist to regulate these practices, but enforcement and adherence to these provisions remain critical issues that must be addressed to preserve the sanctity of the electoral process. To mitigate the adverse effects of freebies, several suggestions can be implemented. First, the Election Commission of India should strengthen its regulatory guidelines regarding the distribution of freebies during elections. Clear definitions of what constitutes a freebie, along with strict penalties for violations, would deter political parties from resorting to unethical practices. Additionally, promoting transparent campaign financing practices can enhance accountability and discourage reliance on freebies as a campaign strategy.
Civic education initiatives aimed at raising awareness about electoral rights can empower voters to critically evaluate candidates based on policies rather than material incentives. Moreover, political parties should focus on proposing sustainable welfare policies that prioritize long-term benefits over short-term giveaways. Such policies not only build voter trust but also promote responsible governance. Finally, an active role for the judiciary in scrutinizing campaign practices can reinforce ethical electoral conduct. By implementing these measures, the democratic process can be strengthened, creating an environment where voters make informed choices based on policies and governance rather than short-term material offerings.
Bibliography Cases • Election Commission of India v Janata Dal (2004) 2 SCC 376 • K. K. Verma v State of Uttar Pradesh (2006) 2 SCC 505 Books • M P L Ramesh and M R Narasimhan, Understanding the Impact of Freebies on Electoral Politics in India (Sage Publications 2020) • Vijayendra Rao and Michael Woolcock, Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches in Program Evaluation (World Bank Publications 2003) • K. R. Nair, Electoral Politics in India: A Study of Freebies and Voter Behavior (Kanishka Publishers 2021) • Ajay Kumar, Freebies, Populism and the Indian Elections (Routledge 2023) Journals • Ravi K.
Ranjan, 'Freebies in Electoral Politics: Analysing Their Impact on Voter Behavior' (2023) 14(1) Journal of Political Studies • Neha Sharma, 'Populism and Political Ethics: The Role of Freebies in Indian Elections' (2021) 12(3) International Journal of Political Science • Suresh Singh, 'Economic Implications of Freebies in India' (2020) 28(2) Asian Journal of Public Affairs Websites • Avinash Kumar and Manish Kumar, ‘Political Aspects of Freebies’ (Economic and Political Weekly,2022) accessed 6 October 2024
Prashanth Perumal, ‘Freebie Politics in India’ (The Hindu, 2022) accessed 6 October 2024 • Sai S., ‘Freebie in Politics: A Boon or Bane’ (LinkedIn,2023) accessed 6 October 2024 • ‘Freebies:
A
Violation of Constitutional Provisions’ (The Hindu, 2016) accessed 6 October 2024