The 2024 Lok Sabha elections were a high-stakes battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian National Congress (INC) under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. In an attempt to counter Modi’s popularity and secure victory, Rahul Gandhi made a series of ambitious promises to the Indian electorate. These included pledges of direct cash transfers and reintroducing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in states ruled by Congress. However, the failure to deliver on these promises and the subsequent economic crisis in states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have cast a long shadow over Gandhi’s political strategy.
Rahul Gandhi’s Strategy to Win the 2024 Elections: To challenge Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi adopted an aggressive campaign strategy. This included:
- Global Alliances: Rahul Gandhi sought to strengthen ties with global powers and align with international forces that were perceived as critical of the Modi government. This approach aimed to project a more inclusive and globally connected image of India under Congress leadership.
- Promises of Financial Aid: One of Gandhi’s central campaign promises was the distribution of ₹8,500 monthly to citizens, which he claimed would be directly deposited into their bank accounts. This proposal was part of a broader narrative to support the economically disadvantaged and appeal to the rural electorate.
- Reintroduction of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS): In states ruled by Congress, Rahul Gandhi promised to reintroduce the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which had been replaced by the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The OPS was seen as a more favorable option for government employees, offering guaranteed pension benefits.
- Alleged Rumors Against Reservation: There were accusations that Rahul Gandhi’s campaign involved spreading rumors regarding the reservation policies to create fear and uncertainty among certain sections of society. These actions were allegedly aimed at consolidating votes from specific voter blocs.
The Fallout: Despite the ambitious promises, the aftermath of the 2024 elections saw several states facing severe economic challenges, primarily due to the financial implications of these promises. Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, which were governed by Congress, bore the brunt of these policies.
Himachal Pradesh’s Economic Crisis:
Old Pension Scheme (OPS) Implementation: The reintroduction of the OPS in Himachal Pradesh created significant financial strain on the state’s budget. The state government struggled to meet the pension obligations, leading to a delay in salaries and pensions for government employees and retirees. This was the first time in the state’s history that such delays occurred, marking a critical failure in financial management.
Reduced Budget Allocations: The state’s financial woes were exacerbated by reduced budget allocations across various sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure. This led to a slowdown in development projects and deteriorating public services, further fueling public discontent.
Public Discontent: The economic crisis led to widespread dissatisfaction among the public, particularly among the state’s 2 lakh employees and 5 lakh pensioners. The Congress government faced intense criticism for its inability to manage the state’s finances effectively.
Karnataka and Telangana’s Challenges:
Similar economic challenges were observed in Karnataka and Telangana, where Congress had promised extensive welfare schemes. These promises, including financial aid and free utilities, proved unsustainable, leading to budget deficits and increased public debt.
The inability to fulfill these promises resulted in a loss of credibility for the Congress party, as the states struggled to balance their budgets and maintain public services.
Media and Public Reaction: Initially, the media played a significant role in amplifying Rahul Gandhi’s promises, creating a narrative that these measures would lead to widespread economic upliftment. However, as the financial situation in these states deteriorated, the media turned critical of the Congress leadership. The failure to deliver on promises, coupled with the economic crisis, led to a loss of public trust in the Congress party.
Way Ahead.
Rahul Gandhi’s strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while ambitious, ultimately backfired due to the inability to deliver on key promises. The economic crisis in states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana highlighted the challenges of implementing large-scale welfare schemes without adequate financial planning. The resulting discontent has not only damaged the Congress party’s credibility but has also raised serious questions about its ability to govern effectively.
Adding to this dynamic is the role of Arvind Kejriwal, often referred to as the “Father of Freebie Politics” in India. His success in using similar strategies, particularly in Delhi, set a precedent that Rahul Gandhi sought to emulate on a larger scale. However, the replication of such policies without the same level of financial discipline has led to severe economic strain in other states.
As the country moves towards future elections, the lessons from this episode will likely shape the strategies of political parties. The emphasis will be on sustainable policies that balance welfare with economic stability, ensuring that promises made during elections can be fulfilled without jeopardizing the financial health of the states or the nation. This episode highlights the importance of careful financial planning and the potential dangers of relying too heavily on populist measures without considering long-term economic consequences.