Congress, the party that has banked on so-called “freebies” to capture power in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, now appears to be eyeing Delhi. With the announcement of the “Pyari Didi Yojana,” promising Rs 2,500 per month to every woman, Congress hopes to woo the women’s electorate ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. But voters must ask themselves: Are these promises genuine or just another ploy to grab power, only to falter later? The Karnataka experience serves as a cautionary tale. While the Congress swept to power there in May 2023, bagging 135 out of 224 seats, its promises to women voters remain largely unfulfilled. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has openly admitted that the state cannot afford any new initiatives, as the cost of implementing the party’s five guarantees alone exceeds Rs 50,000 crore annually. This has left the state government struggling to balance its books, raising questions about the credibility of Congress’s commitments. Telangana offers a similar narrative. Despite announcing the Mahalakshmi scheme—a comprehensive program to support women—the Congress-led government has failed to implement it, even after nearly a year in office. The financial burden is staggering: Telangana’s revenue of Rs 18.5 lakh crore barely covers salaries and debt servicing, let alone lavish electoral guarantees. The situation is exacerbated by a debt inheritance of Rs 6 lakh crore from the previous BRS government. Himachal Pradesh fares no better. Soon after Congress formed the government, the state coffers were drained, forcing the administration to impose fresh taxes, placing additional burdens on citizens.
The pattern is clear: Congress promises big, secures votes, and leaves states in financial disarray. This isn’t governance—it’s short-term populism at the cost of long-term economic health. The party’s reliance on “freebies” has alarmed experts and bureaucrats alike. Retired officials recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to legislate against such reckless promises, citing their detrimental impact on India’s economy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also criticized states for blaming the Centre for financial woes while pursuing unsustainable populist measures. She has rightly pointed out that budget allocations are determined by objective criteria, not political whims. Yet, the Modi government’s reluctance to curb this trend through legislation raises questions. With seasoned economists and administrators warning of the dangers, why hasn’t the Centre acted decisively? Delhi’s women voters must see through the façade. While promises like the Pyari Didi Yojana may sound appealing, the track record of Congress in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh paints a grim picture of unmet expectations and financial mismanagement. The electorate must prioritize sustainable governance over short-term allurements. Otherwise, the price of these freebies may well be paid in the form of higher taxes, diminished public services, and a compromised future. The choice is yours, Delhi—fall for the bait or demand accountability and responsible leadership.