As the Telangana gears up for its impending election on November 30, political parties are pulling out all the stops to lure voters with a barrage of enticing promises. The incumbent TRS party, now rebranded as the BRS, is facing strong competition from the
Congress and BJP, a departure from previous elections where they remained uncontested.
In the lead-up to the election, Congress and BJP have emerged as formidable contenders in the state. Congress, taking a page from its success in Karnataka, has introduced a set of six promises to challenge the reigning party.
Meanwhile, the BJP is crafting its own strategy, intensifying the political landscape in Telangana. *BRS Party Unveils Election Manifesto* The BRS party, led by Chief Minister KCR, revealed its election manifesto today pledging a host of freebies aimed at garnering voters’ support.
Some of the key promises in the manifesto include:
– Distribution of “small rice” to white ration card holders.
– Rs. 5 lakh life insurance through LIC for white ration card families, with the government covering the full premium.
– An increase in the Arogyasree Yojana limit from Rs. 5 lakh to a maximum of Rs. 15 lakh.
– Increment in support pension from Rs. 2016 to Rs. 5,000 in five years.
– A raise in pension for disabled persons from Rs. 4016 to Rs. 6016 in the next five years.
– First-year assistance increased to Rs. 12,000 and a monthly living allowance of Rs. 3,000 for eligible poor women.
– Distribution of gas cylinders for eligible poor women at a reduced cost of Rs. 400.
– Allocation of house plots to the poor and continuation of housing policies.
*Congress Counters with “Mahalakshmi Yojana” and More*
Congress, aiming to replicate its success in Karnataka, unveiled its promises, which include:
– Mahalakshmi Yojana, providing Rs. 2,500 per month to women.
– Free travel for women in Telangana State Road Transport buses.
– Offering LPG cylinders for domestic use at a reduced price of Rs. 500.
*The Promise of Freebies*
Both major parties are relying heavily on free promises to capture voter sentiment, and it is expected that the BJP will follow suit. The strategy of offering freebies has been a recurring theme in Indian elections, with a belief that it can sway the electorate.
While some of the promises have been fulfilled in other states, the sheer cost of these pledges has raised concerns about the availability of funds for other developmental projects. Allegations have emerged that elected representatives are struggling to secure grants for the development of their constituencies due to this extensive focus on freebies.
*Debate over Feasibility*
Critics have questioned the feasibility of these extravagant promises, with the opposition, notably Congress, challenging the BRS party’s ability to fulfill these commitments. They argue that such generous schemes will burden the state’s finances and potentially lead to increased debt. The legacy of previous leaders in neighboring states, who implemented costly welfare programs, has cast a shadow of doubt over the fiscal responsibility of such projects.
*The Awaited BJP Move*
As the election draws near, the political stage in Telangana remains filled with promises, and all eyes are on the BJP to see how they will navigate this competitive landscape. With the state’s future at stake, voters must weigh the allure of these freebies against their long-term implications, making an informed choice when they head to the polls on November 30, 2023.