CHANDIGARH: The freebie route seems to be an effort to counter the rising influence of Congress.
In a dramatic shift aimed at reclaiming its foothold in Haryana, the Nayab Singh Saini-led government had to deviate from its traditional stance, embracing a new approach of distributing freebies, to win over the state’s key voter segments, including farmers, employees, women, OBCs and BPL families.
The BJP’s top leadership was a critic of freebies introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi and Punjab; but this aggressive strategy comes in the wake of the party’s setback in the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana, where the saffron party lost five out of ten seats, hinting at growing anti-incumbency sentiments.
Among the eye-catching announcements are the waiver of Rs 133 crore in Abiyana dues to around one lakh farmers, a substantial reduction in LPG cylinder prices to Rs 500 for 46 lakh families, free bus rides for the economically disadvantaged, a guaranteed procurement scheme for all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), and a Rs 2,000 per acre bonus for Kharif crops. Additionally, unemployed youth will receive allowances ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,500, while food at Atal Canteens will be priced at just Rs 10. The government also offered Rs 1,100 in cash to Anganwadi workers and helpers. BJP’s strategy includes targeting the OBC community as Chief Minister Saini also announced to raise the creamy layer income limit for OBCs from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, and introduced a 5% reservation for OBC-B categories in Panchayati Raj institutions and municipalities. Further, CM Saini announced that job security measures were also being implemented. A total of 1.20 lakh contractual employees have completed at least five years in service.
Political observers believe that this aggressive freebie push comes as the BJP, grappling with recent electoral setbacks and a shifting political landscape, seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the crucial election. The party’s decision to replace Manohar Lal Khattar with OBC leader Nayab Singh Saini, underscores its attempt to realign with Haryana’s dominant Jat community, while also courting OBCs and Punjabis.
“Every government has a right to announce welfare schemes and no doubt, BJP will benefit from it”, said a senior BJP leader, pleading anonymity. This freebie route seems to be a calculated effort to counter the rising influence of Congress, which has emerged stronger amid anti-incumbency sentiments and ongoing farmers’ protests and won five Lok Sabha seats.
Political observer and retired political science professor, Ramji Lal observes, “BJP is pulling out all stops to ensure victory in Haryana, a key state that the party can’t afford to lose. The freebie strategy reflects their desperation to connect with voters across various demographics and shore up support.”
BJP’s focus on OBCs—comprising around 40% of Haryana’s population—and Punjabis is evident in the appointments and policy changes being implemented. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent announcement during an election rally in Haryana, of additional reservations for the OBC-B category further solidifies this outreach.
As Haryana gears up for its next political contest, the Saini government’s freebie bonanza is a clear signal of the high stakes involved. A similar strategy was adopted by the Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government in Haryana in 2014 to counter the growing Opposition momentum.