Why Arvind Kejriwal is Obsessed with Freebies: Understanding the Electoral Strategy and Impact

Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has mastered the art of leveraging freebies to secure votes. His strategy is simple yet effective: understand what the Indian electorate wants, and provide it. This approach is not without controversy, as Kejriwal’s obsession with freebies serves both as a political strategy and a reflection of deeper societal issues.

The Electoral Strategy:

Kejriwal’s political playbook is built on the belief that the majority of the Indian electorate, particularly in states like Delhi and Bihar, values freebies above all else. By offering these benefits, he secures the votes of largely uneducated and labor-intensive workers. In a society where the complex realities of taxation and long-term development are often misunderstood, freebies are a tangible and immediate form of gratification.

Kejriwal’s focus on freebies is not just opportunistic; it is a calculated move designed to ensure his political survival. When faced with an upcoming election, he publicizes his achievements and the expenditures associated with them, which are often funded with taxpayers' money. This is not only a way to bolster his image but also a strategy to distract from any potential electoral failures. As a result, there is little money left for other essential services, creating a cycle of dependency on freebies.

The Demographics:

The constituencies that benefit most from Kejriwal’s freebie strategy are largely composed of Bihari laborers and uneducated people from Delhi. These segments of the population constitute approximately 52% of the total voters. The Muslim community is also heavily influenced by this strategy, which Kejriwal has cleverly employed to gain support in these communities.

According to Kejriwal’s strategy, these groups are particularly receptive to freebies due to their material and educational needs. Providing them with direct benefits like cash handouts, subsidized goods, and infrastructure projects is a strategic move to ensure their vote. This approach has proven effective in garnering support, even if it comes at a cost to other critical state functions.

The Historical Context:

The tradition of offering freebies during elections is not new in India. Historically, southern states have provided TV sets, household items, or even cash and liquor just before elections. These freebies have become a crucial part of the electoral strategy, often overshadowing genuine development initiatives in areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Freebies have become a means to build and mobilize a vote bank. Parties blame the central government for infrastructure failures and other service shortcomings, while their own freebie policies continue to attract and maintain support. In this context, Kejriwal stands out for his transparency and ability to address some of these immediate needs, albeit through a controversial and often unsustainable lens.

A Different Approach:

Unlike other political parties, the Kejriwal-led AAP has shown a unique ability to balance the provision of freebies with economic governance. The AAP has demonstrated that it can generate profits and maintain fiscal discipline in departments where freebies are given. This approach has been appreciated by a segment of the electorate, particularly those who value honest governance, a clean record, and proper service delivery.

The party's rational tax structures prior to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and its focus on spending taxpayers’ money on essential services like water, electricity, education, and healthcare have been seen as a departure from the usual political norm. Kejriwal’s strategy here is to provide tangible benefits that address both short-term and long-term needs, thus building a stronger case for his leadership.

Conclusion:

While Arvind Kejriwal's obsession with freebies can be seen as a strategic electoral move, it reflects broader societal and political issues in India. His ability to provide freebies while maintaining a semblance of economic discipline sets him apart from other leaders. Whether this strategy will yield long-term benefits remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly reflects a deep understanding of the electorate's desires and the complex dynamics of Indian politics.