Sop story

Tamil Nadu politics has long ridden the gravy train. Promises of free electricity, free saris, free dhotis, cheap rice, even free tooth powder, have powered politicians and parties to the hot seat at Fort St George. If Jayalalithaa8217;s tantalising offer 8212; of a continued golden age under AIADMK rule with free bicycle rides thrown in 8212; had shades of the droll, Karunanidhi8217;s free colour televisions scaled new heights of the comic. This is one poll promise 8212; if it becomes reality 8212; that is guaranteed to benefit both receiver and giver. The extended Karunanidhi family has its tentacles in both the cable business and in telecasting, so the more colour TV sets people have, the happier life is for everyone.

But it is time the people of Tamil Nadu looked these magnificent gift horses, galloping their way, in the mouth. They should do this by asking themselves a two-word question: who pays? Those who make these promises, or those who are the supposed beneficiaries? If there is no such thing as a free lunch, there is no such thing as a free freebie. Ultimately, it is the citizen of the state who pays the huge hidden costs of rash political promises. This is why, very often, many of these promises have had to be overturned or modified under the harsh klieg lights of reality. Remember the NTR sop story? His offer of rice at two rupees, and prohibition 8212; for 8220;aarukotla Andrula atma gauravam8221; for the self-respect of six crore Andhra-ites 8212; got him an avalanche of votes, but the TDP government had to go back on both promises in time because of rapidly dwindling resources.

Also, by making such offers, politicians indicate their supreme contempt for the citizen. By believing that votes can be procured by means of craftily conceived giveaways, they insult the intelligence of voters and take them for granted. Citizens must respond to this mass bribe-giving by refusing the bait, by demanding plain good governance without special effects. As for the Election Commission, it needs to decide whether such offers amount to the buying of votes, rendering both state coffers and democracy the poorer.