There have been innumerable elections in our country since we became a democracy. However, no Lok Sabha election or assembly election in any state is as quiet as the one happening in Tamil Nadu now.
Coverage: Assembly Elections 2006
Tamil Nadu is unique. No other state in the world can boast of two chief ministers who were movie scriptwriters as well as film stars. And now you can add another feather to its cap -- the state with the most freebies.
While one party has promised free rice, free clothes, free gold, free bank loans (you do not have to pay back), the other has promised free land, free colour televisions and free gas stoves. One does not know what more is going to come free before the campaign ends.
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But what do the people of Tamil Nadu think of these freebies?
S M Pandian, a merchant, says, "It is no longer like an election. It has become a joke, a farce
people have stopped believing the politicians' promises as it now sounds silly."
Murugesan, a retired teacher, declares, "We have become beggars. People love freebies. They are waiting for more. They all work but want to save that money for something else. It is ok if the poor want freebies but here the rich too do not mind freebies. Everyone puts his hand out when something is given free."
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Samson, A software professional, said it was okay to give freebies to the poor. Its charity but you cannot call them beggars. But freebies should be only for those below the poverty line.
According to Selvaraj, a sailor, "We are in a heaven of freebies. Politicians have reduced us to beggary. Not only have they made us beggars they are trying to make us lazy. They do not want us to work for anything as long as we vote for them. This should be stopped."
Mariammal, a 12th standard girl, agrees with Selvaraj. She too feels that freebies make beggars out of voters and hence ought to be stopped.
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Kala, who works as a clerk, differs. She says: "There are so many poor people around. They will be happy with all these gifts. Let them be happy."
Jayabalan, an insurance agent, blames politicians for these schemes. "It is their fault, you cannot blame the people who receive these gifts. You cannot call them beggars but you can call them fools."
Johnsi, a graduate, says: "This is not a gift but an exchange. When you go to a shop and get a soap free for the one you buy, no one refuses. So why should people refuse these gifts. They are getting them in an exchange sale. They are giving their votes for these goods. It is a business deal."
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Kingsley, a travel agent, argues: "As it is there is a big drain on the exchequer by way of corruption. Politicians and bureaucrats bleed the treasury by way of commissions in everything that they do. So why not give a part of the proceeds to the common man."
"Governing is big business and to preserve that business, they will give anything. If people knew the duty that a government had to its people, they would not so impressed with freebies," he added.
Politicians announce every scheme as their own. No one ever admits that it is the people's money, which is being used for people.
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When a man gives from his own pocket, you call it charity. When the government gives anything to the poor, it is their duty. What makes the whole exercise sad is the timing. "Even though they pretend to be charitable, the motive is not good," concludes Kingsley.
The Americans say, "There is nothing like a free lunch." So, now that loads of freebies are coming our way, all we have to find out is -- who is footing the bill?
