When the AAP party gave freebies in Delhi and Punjab elections there was a hue and cry as the central government and state governments ruled by BJP were against the freebies culture and now ahead of Bihar elections the government has announced free electricity upto 125 units per month which will benefit 1.6 crore households estimated at a cost of Rs 18,000 crore. However, this way of looking at those schemes - display a rather narrow and simplistic definition. In virtually every state, as well as at the Centre, political parties across the spectrum have, at various times, introduced welfare schemes prior to the Assembly elections that have been subsequently criticised by opposition as irresponsible 'freebies. ' Ironically, most parties have adopted similar strategies when in power. Unfortunately rather being assessed through economic viability, such schemes have become instruments of opportunism.
