The Freebie Manifesto

Among polling states, Tamil Nadu is the most generous—and rice the most popular giveaway

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The DMK, which rode to power in Tamil Nadu in 2006 on the back of free colour televisions, has been squarely beaten in the mixer-grinder shootout this time. Its manifesto offers either a mixer or grinder, while the opposition AIADMK is giving a mixer plus grinder plus fan to all women. DMK’s offer of free laptops to students of the SC/ST and OBC categories was also topped. AIADMK will give laptops to all Class XI and XII students. Hearing of which, DMK leader M Karunanidhi promised laptops to all students irrespective of class and creed. AIADMK is also giving 4 gm of gold and Rs 25,000 as marriage assistance.

Barring West Bengal, parties in other states are also offering freebies, but they seem insipid in comparison. The Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala is offering bicycles to Class X students.

Rice is the favourite freebie. AIADMK offers 20 kg rice free to all BPL families; DMK, 35 kg. Assam’s ruling Congress party offers rice at Rs 6 per kg while rival Asom Gana Parishad will give it for Rs 2. In Kerala, the ruling LDF announced rice at Rs 2 to all families under the public distribution service. The UDF announced in its manifesto that if it came to power ,rice would be given at Rs 1 per kg. Assam’s CM Tarun Gogoi is doling out free laptops to a constituency whose votes don’t matter but voices do: the media.

Chief Election Commiss-ioner SY Quraishi says that freebies are a disturbing trend. “Those indulging in unnecessary extravagances to seduce voters will be reprimanded,” he warns.

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Shahina KK