Arvind Kejriwal and the Phenomenon of Freebies in Indian Politics

Freebies have long been part of political strategies in India, starting in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The era of freebies was propelled by the increasing intensity of political competition, where political parties sought to appeal to voters with tangible benefits rather than focusing on effective governance.

Arvind Kejriwal's Role in the Freebie Era

While freebies have a long history in Indian politics, Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, has brought renewed attention to this practice. Under his leadership, the AAM Aadmi Party (AAP), the former Union Tax Secretary turned politician, has introduced several freebies aimed at winning support. These include:

Free Electricity: Kejriwal has provided free electricity up to 200 units to Delhi residents, as calculated by Raghav Chaddha, a chartered accountant chartered by the AAP. Free Trip to Visit Ram Mandir: Kejriwal has arranged for senior citizens to visit the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya for free. Medical Support: AAP has covered medical bills for accident cases in Delhi, offering relief without requiring proof of medical insurance.

Ironies and Criticisms

The phenomenon of freebies is deeply intertwined with the current state of Indian politics, drawing both support and criticism. One of the central criticisms is the disproportionate use of public funds for political gains. Critics argue that political parties should introspect on the massive financial burden these freebies place on the national exchequer. Taxpayers' money is being misused to achieve electoral goals, rather than being channelled towards national development.

Given Kejriwal's background as an ex-Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, there are calls for him to personally fund these initiatives or use party funds instead of relying on taxpayer money. This highlights the irony that a government leader leveraging taxpayer resources to gain political leverage.

Corruption Allegations and Governance

Despite efforts to win support through freebies, Kejriwal's administration has faced significant criticism. Members of the AAP are currently in jail on corruption charges, and Kishen Pershad, the Chief Minister of Delhi, was involved in controversial spending, including the construction of the Rs 45 crore Shish Mahal palace allegedly from public funds. The demolition of ancient monuments and government official bungalows for personal gain has further marred his administration's reputation.

The recent conflict with the Modi government's ordinance order in the Supreme Court highlights another issue. The order stated that the central government has the authority to enforce such ordinances through parliamentary procedure if desired. Kejriwal's attempt to garner support from opposition parties to oppose this highlights the current political deadlock in India.

For the people of Delhi, the call is for a clear and accountable administration. Arvind Kejriwal needs to focus on providing corruption-free governance that genuinely benefits the common man, rather than relying on freebies to win votes.