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When politics became a "bad" word

Indian politicians always trade sops for votes. Take the recent one by DMK supremo of Rs 2 per kg of rice. Such sops were also offered earlier by the TDP. It had to beat a hasty retreat when it found that it became a severe drain on the government exchequer to fulfil its promises. In Punjab, the Akali Dal announced free electricity to farmers which made the State Electricity Board bankrupt. Are we destined to have such politicos?

Published on: May 09, 2006 05:00 PM IST
None | By , Ssbedi1945@yahoo.com
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Such sops were also offered earlier by the Telgu Desam Party which promised to provide rice @Rs 2 per kg to the electorate and at another time, offered to introduce prohibition.

HT Image
HT Image

On both occasions, it had to beat a hasty retreat when it found that after coming to power, it became a severe drain on the Government exchequer to fulfil its promises. In Punjab, the Akali Dal announced free electricity to farmers which made the State Electricity Board bankrupt. However, these promises are broken quite easily because they have an immediate effect on the state government's budget and hence, the government very soon awakes to the reality that the election promises cannot be fulfilled.

There are of course, other measures which are also meant to attract votes and which do not have immediate effect on the Government's exchequer although they may ruin the country eventually. These are
(i) not affecting population control
(ii) not throwing out illegal immigrants from Bangladesh
(iii) reservations on caste basis in Government jobs and educational institutions
(iv) not abolishing Article 370 of the Constitution
(v) non-introduction of a Uniform Civil Code, etc.

I do not know the reason behind this shyness on the part of the majority of the electronic and press media but the silence of the media on these issues is also going to cost the country dear.

 
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