Intentions Matter: What Should Politicians Stand For in Elections?

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• November 16, 2025
• Opinion & Analysis
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New Delhi, 2025 — As India heads into another election cycle, a pressing question looms large: What should politicians truly stand for in elections? For many, election promises have become a standard part of the political process—freebies, subsidies, and short-term relief measures that are designed to win the votes of the populace. But is this the true essence of political leadership? Is the goal of elections simply to gain power through promises, or should it be about enacting sustainable policies that will bring long-term benefits to society? This article critically examines whether election campaigns should focus on giving out material incentives or whether they should address deeper, more systemic issues for the nation’s future.

The Rise of Freebies in Election Campaigns

1. The Popularity of Freebies
   • In recent years, election campaigns in India have been marked by an increase in promises of freebies—from free electricity to cash transfers, loan waivers, and other immediate financial benefits. Politicians often use these promises to appeal directly to voters who may be struggling with daily expenses or facing economic hardships.
   • According to the Election Commission of India, political parties in the 2024 elections collectively promised over ₹50,000 crore in freebies, leading many to question whether these promises were genuinely in the best interest of the electorate or simply aimed at securing votes. While such initiatives provide immediate relief, they rarely address the structural issues of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.
2. The Short-Term Appeal of Freebies
   • The allure of freebies during election campaigns is undeniable. These promises resonate strongly with certain segments of the population who see immediate financial support as a tangible solution to their problems. However, this approach often overlooks long-term, sustainable policies that could create more robust and lasting improvements in people’s lives, such as reforms in education, healthcare, or employment.

What Should Politicians Stand For in Elections?

1. Sustainable Policies for Long-Term Growth
   • True political leadership should be focused on creating policies that address the long-term challenges facing the nation. Rather than simply offering short-term relief, politicians should be committed to addressing deeper, more complex issues such as unemployment, healthcare accessibility, education, and economic inequality. For example, programs like Skill India, which aims to provide vocational training to youth, focus on sustainable employment rather than immediate cash transfers.
2. Infrastructure and Development
   • Investment in infrastructure—such as roads, renewable energy projects, and affordable housing—should be at the forefront of election promises. These long-term projects can not only create jobs but also improve the standard of living for generations. The Smart Cities Mission and Bharatmala Pariyojana are examples of government-led initiatives that aim to address infrastructural gaps, but such efforts are often overshadowed by promises of freebies during the election season.
3. Inclusive Growth and Equality
   • A politician’s true purpose should be to foster inclusive growth that benefits all citizens, especially the marginalized. Policies aimed at uplifting the backward classes, ensuring gender equality, and providing opportunities to the disadvantaged should be a central theme of political campaigns. Leaders must not only promise equality but take tangible steps to create an equitable society where opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of caste, class, or gender.

The Ethics of Election Promises: What Drives Politicians?

1. Power Through Populism
   • The temptation to use populist measures to win votes is strong, especially when the focus is on electoral success rather than societal progress. Offering immediate relief can be an easy way to garner support, but it can also lead to unsustainable financial burdens and a lack of accountability. For instance, excessive promises of subsidies or free goods without corresponding measures for funding often result in fiscal deficits or inefficient governance.
2. The Role of Political Ideology
   • Ideally, political campaigns should reflect a strong ideological stance that focuses on solving the nation’s most pressing issues. A politician should be able to clearly articulate their vision for economic growth, social justice, and national development. Unfortunately, many political campaigns today rely more on populist promises and emotional appeals than on presenting well-thought-out, long-term strategies for governance.
3. Impact on Governance
   • Politicians who focus solely on short-term promises may lack the necessary foresight to make the difficult decisions that drive long-term societal change. The allure of freebies can distract from the need for structural reforms and thoughtful planning. Moreover, such practices may perpetuate a culture of dependency, where voters expect continuous handouts instead of being empowered through education, employment, and healthcare.

The Role of the Voter: Demanding Substance Over Slogans

1. Informed Voting
   • Voters play an essential role in ensuring that politicians are held accountable for their promises. Educating the electorate about the potential long-term consequences of populist promises is key to promoting more thoughtful political discourse. Voters should be encouraged to assess not only the immediate benefits of election promises but also the sustainability and broader impact of proposed policies.
2. Civic Engagement and Political Reform
   • Encouraging greater civic engagement and political activism can ensure that politicians feel the pressure to focus on the real issues that affect the population. Initiatives like MyGov and RTI can give citizens the tools to demand more accountability from political leaders, pushing for policies that will create lasting improvements rather than focusing on superficial benefits.

Conclusion: Power vs. Progress – The True Role of Politics

The line between giving out freebies and fostering genuine political progress is thin. Politicians must recognize that elections are not just a means to secure power, but an opportunity to lead with purpose and vision. While immediate relief measures may offer temporary solutions, true leadership lies in creating policies that foster sustainable development, inclusive growth, and social justice.

As India moves forward, it is crucial for politicians to prioritize the welfare of the people, not through superficial promises, but through thoughtful governance that addresses the root causes of social, economic, and political challenges. Voters, too, must demand more—insisting that their leaders focus on policies that will bring lasting prosperity, not just temporary popularity.