Freebie Politics Creates Roadblocks for Better Governance in Delhi
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections have highlighted the challenges of excessive populism. They have also shown the structural limitations of Delhi’s governance model. Two key concerns have emerged from the outcome. One concern is the increasing dependence on freebie politics. Another is the governance hurdles posed by Delhi’s unique federal setup. Populism and the Politics of Freebies Delhi's elections reflected an intense competition among political parties to offer financial and material incentives to win over voters. Promises ranged from free utilities and cash allowances to subsidized healthcare and education. These tactics, while providing short-term relief, raise concerns about their sustainability…