The upcoming Delhi elections have turned into a spectacle of competitive freebies and alleged electoral manipulation, as political parties vie for dominance in the capital. The ruling AAP, BJP, and Congress are deploying a mix of promises, welfare schemes, and, reportedly, questionable tactics to win over voters.
Freebie Culture: A Double-Edged Sword
In recent years, freebie politics has escalated to unprecedented levels. While initially mocked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “revadi culture” for its unsustainable fiscal implications, the BJP now appears to have fully embraced the strategy, offering a litany of welfare promises to counter AAP’s established reputation for delivering public services in Delhi.

AAP’s Freebie Pledge
AAP’s promises aim to consolidate its hold on voters by offering welfare schemes targeting various demographics:
- Mahila Samman Yojana: Monthly allowance of ₹1,000–2,100 for women.
- Sanjeevni Healthcare Scheme: Comprehensive health coverage for senior citizens, with over 1.3 million registrations so far.
- ₹15 lakh insurance for auto drivers, allowances for uniforms, and wedding expenses for daughters.
- ₹18,000 annual allowances for granthis and priests.
AAP, under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has already gained public trust through initiatives like free electricity, water subsidies, and improved health and education infrastructure.
BJP’s Counter Offer
Despite Modi’s earlier criticism, the BJP has rolled out an equally expansive set of promises:
- Free education from KG to PG for needy students.
- ₹15,000 financial assistance for aspirants of competitive exams.
- Life insurance of ₹10 lakh and scholarships for children of auto and taxi drivers.
- Creation of welfare boards for domestic workers, providing insurance and paid maternity leave.
- Expansion of PM Swanidhi Yojana to double the number of beneficiaries.
BJP’s strategy appears aimed at outdoing AAP while accusing the Delhi government of corruption and mismanagement.
Congress Joins the Fray
Congress has also joined the freebie race with:
- ₹8,500 for skill training of unemployed individuals.
- ₹2,500 monthly allowance under the Pyari Didi Yojana.
- ₹25 lakh insurance under the Jeevan Raksha Yojana.
Electoral Manipulation Allegations
Beyond freebies, allegations of electoral manipulation are gaining traction. Reports of voter list tampering—with names being deleted or added through the controversial use of Form 7—have raised concerns. BJP’s panna pramukhs and booth-level officers are accused of leveraging these tactics to consolidate their voter base. Such activities, if proven true, cast a shadow over the fairness of the elections.
Economic and Ethical Concerns
Critics argue that the freebie culture is fiscally irresponsible and diverts attention from long-term development. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, which caps fiscal deficits at 3%, is often ignored in the scramble for electoral gains. Delhi already operates under a significant fiscal deficit, making the feasibility of these promises questionable.
In 2022, then-CJI NV Ramanna highlighted the need for fiscal planning to regulate freebies, suggesting that the Finance Commission address the issue. However, little progress has been made, and political parties continue to rely on freebies as an electoral crutch.
A Question of Survival
The BJP’s adoption of revadi politics signals a realization of its waning influence in Delhi, where it hasn’t held power for 25 years. Modi’s shift from a crowd-puller to a promoter of guarantees reflects a recalibration of strategy in the face of AAP’s dominance. However, the electoral landscape remains uncertain as manipulation allegations and promises of freebies muddy the waters.
Can Freebies Win Delhi for BJP?
The Delhi elections are shaping up as a high-stakes contest of governance models, welfare promises, and ground-level mobilization. While freebies may sway sections of the electorate, the BJP faces a formidable challenge from AAP, which has delivered on many of its past promises. Whether the cocktail of freebies and electoral tactics can dethrone AAP remains to be seen. The outcome will likely hinge on voter trust, the credibility of promises, and the effectiveness of ground campaigns.

Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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