Just before the election manifestos of Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Congress finds itself under the spotlight, raising numerous questions. Does Congress make promises beyond its financial reach just to win votes? Do their guarantees hold no real assurance, especially in the electoral states? Is Congress seeking votes on promises that are neither simple to execute nor guaranteed to be completed? These questions stem from the recent statements of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, made between Karnataka's Chief Minister and Deputy CM of the Congress-governed state.
Why does Congress seem to resonate with the notion of not making promises that extend beyond the state's budget? Has the impact of incomplete promises in Himachal prompted introspection until the Haryana elections? Even Rahul Gandhi mentioned announcing guarantees based strictly on Maharashtra's budget.
PM Modi Criticizes
The Prime Minister has been vocal about Congress's unmet promises. The moment Congress admitted to the idea of assessing the state's treasury before making promises, PM Modi launched a barrage of posts declaring that Congress has been exposed on fulfilling promises. Modi highlighted that Congress's promises in states like Himachal, Karnataka, and Telangana remain incomplete. He asserted that the public rejected Congress in Haryana because of these false promises.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Is it essential for leaders to remember this while making promises in politics?
Source: aajtak
Unmet Promises in Himachal Pradesh
Looking into the promises in Himachal Pradesh, Congress vowed ten guarantees during the 2022 elections. The government claims five guarantees have been accomplished in 15 months. The reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was announced immediately after coming into power, yet nearly 9,500 employees remain outside its scope. BJP adds that arranging an annual 1,000 crore rupees for OPS has delayed salaries for employees.
Promises like providing 1,500 rupees to women aged 18 to 60 remain unfulfilled, as only 24,000 women received the amount compared to over 700,000 applicants. Congress also assured purchasing cow milk at 80 rupees and buffalo milk at 100 rupees per kilo. Yet, the figures are currently 45 and 55 rupees, respectively. Although the government boasts Himachal as the first state to ensure a minimum support price for milk, other commitments like buying cow dung remain untouched.
Many Promises Still Incomplete
The vow to provide employment to five lakh youth also remains unfulfilled. The promise of free 300 units of electricity has not yet materialized, and even the existing subsidy for 125 units was discontinued for taxpayers. Mobile clinics pledging free medical service in every village have also not been realized.
Accusations Concerning Karnataka
Allegations arise that although guarantees were implemented, the financial strain on Karnataka has burdened its public again. Telangana sees fulfilled promises like free bus travel for women, yet unfazed commitments under the Mahalakshmi Scheme to give women 2,500 rupees monthly are still pending, alongside pensions and housing assistance for the needy.
Kharge Poses Questions
In response to Modi's statements, Mallikarjun Kharge questions the unfulfilled promise of two crore jobs annually. When will farmer incomes double? When will MSP be guaranteed? Amidst such political jostling, the public wonders why make pledges that ultimately burden the people?
Status of Promises in Maharashtra and Karnataka
In Maharashtra, where the focus shifts to the Ladli Behna scheme, the anticipated expenses on announced freebies estimate a cost of 96,000 crore rupees—2.2% of the state's GDP. Similarly, Karnataka spends 53,700 crore rupees annually on 'freebie' promises, prompting fare hikes when losses were incurred. Even states like Telangana are expending 35,200 crore rupees on such pledges, indicating it's not just opposition-ruled states facing this phenomenon.
Current Scenario in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana
The states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana fare no differently. A massive expenditure ensues from promises of low-cost or free incentives. Haryana witnessed Congress making multifarious promises yet failing to win. With estimated costs exceeding 13,000 crore rupees for announcements like cheap electricity, free bus travel, and agricultural bonuses, the fiscal strain is evident.
What Congress President Kharge understands is a lesson for all parties: align promises with the state's budget rather than burdening the public through governance and debts to fulfill them.
