Every election season, political parties scramble to woo voters with enticing promises. This year, as Haryana gears up for the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, Congress has revived one of its oldest tricks from the playbook: the promise of offering a 100 sq. yard plot to voters. While this may sound like a dream come true for many, it’s essential to recognize it for what it is—a blatant gimmick aimed at manipulating the electorate.
The Recycled Gimmick: A Strategy as Old as Time
Time and again, Congress has used similar promises to sway voters, especially during election season. Whether it’s a plot of land, free electricity, or subsidies, such strategies have become a hallmark of their election campaigns. In reality, many of these promises rarely see the light of day after the ballots are counted and the results are in.
The promise of a 100 sq. yard plot is one such strategy that sounds alluring, particularly for the economically weaker sections and the middle-class families aspiring to own a piece of land. However, this is not the first time Congress has made such a promise. We’ve seen it before in different states and different elections, with similar assurances made but little to no delivery on the ground.
Fake Manifesto: A Tool to Manipulate the Audience
Manifestos are supposed to outline a party’s vision and commitment to the people. But Congress’s 2024 Haryana manifesto seems more like a collection of hollow words designed to mislead voters. A promise of a 100 sq. yard plot might seem like a generous offer, but where is the land coming from? What are the logistics behind such a move? There are no clear answers—only vague assertions.
These promises are nothing but a bait to trap the common people into believing that they would receive something substantial. People, especially those struggling with housing and financial instability, fall into this trap, thinking that voting for Congress would secure their future. The harsh reality is that once the elections are over, these grand plans are quickly forgotten, and people are left empty-handed, with no accountability.
Why Do Voters Keep Falling for This Trap?
One might wonder why people still believe in such promises when history has shown that these assurances are rarely fulfilled. The answer lies in a combination of factors:
Lack of Awareness: Many voters, especially in rural areas, are not fully aware of the complexities of government schemes and political promises. They take these promises at face value without questioning the practicality or feasibility.
Desperation for Basic Amenities: When people are deprived of basic needs like land, housing, and water, they are more likely to believe any promise that appears to provide these essentials.
Manipulative Campaigning: Congress has a long history of using emotional and manipulative tactics in their campaigns. They often use local leaders and influencers to create a narrative that convinces people that the promises will indeed be delivered.
No Strong Opposition Narrative: Often, the opposition fails to highlight and expose these empty promises effectively. As a result, the narrative remains one-sided, and Congress continues to control the conversation.
The Real Cost of Believing in False Promises
Falling for these traps can have long-lasting negative impacts. When voters choose a government based on such empty promises, they often end up suffering for the next five years. Here’s how:
Stagnation in Development: When a government comes to power through manipulative tactics and hollow promises, it is less likely to focus on real issues like development, employment, and infrastructure. As a result, the state’s growth stagnates.
Loss of Trust in Governance: When people see that promises are not fulfilled, it erodes their trust in governance and democratic processes. This disillusionment can lead to lower voter turnout in future elections and a general sense of apathy towards politics.
Missed Opportunities for Real Change: Believing in false promises means missing out on the chance to vote for a party that genuinely wants to bring about change. This not only affects the present generation but also the future of the state and its citizens.
Understanding the Reality: The Logistics Behind Such Promises
Let’s break down the logistics behind Congress’s promise of a 100 sq. yard plot. Haryana, like many other states, has limited land resources. The state government is already grappling with land disputes and acquisition issues for various developmental projects. Where, then, will this additional land come from?
Moreover, the cost of acquiring and developing such land plots is enormous. The government would need to allocate a huge chunk of the state budget just to fulfill this one promise. Given the state’s financial health and other priorities, it’s clear that such a promise is neither practical nor feasible.
A Pattern of Falsehoods: Examples from the Past
This isn’t the first time Congress has used such deceptive tactics. Let’s take a look at some examples from the past:
- Rajasthan 2018 Elections: Congress promised farmers a complete loan waiver. However, after coming to power, only a fraction of the loans were actually waived, leaving many farmers in despair.
- Punjab 2017 Elections: Congress assured that every household would receive one job. Once again, only a handful of positions were filled, while unemployment remained rampant in the state.
What Should Voters Do: Haryana Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024
As responsible citizens, it’s crucial to evaluate political promises critically. Here are some steps to ensure you don’t fall for such traps:
- Verify the Feasibility: Before believing any promise, ask yourself if it is practically and financially feasible. If not, it’s likely just a gimmick.
- Look for Past Performance: Check if the party has delivered on its previous promises. If a party has a history of unfulfilled promises, it’s a red flag.
- Demand Accountability: Ask local leaders and representatives for specifics on how they plan to implement these promises. Vague assurances without a solid plan should not be trusted.
- Focus on Real Issues: Instead of being swayed by promises of freebies, focus on real issues like employment, healthcare, and infrastructure. Vote for a party that has a concrete plan to address these issues.
Conclusion: Don’t Be Fooled Again
As Haryana heads into the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, voters need to be vigilant and avoid falling for Congress’s age-old tactics of false promises and misleading manifestos. The promise of a 100 sq. yard plot is just another in a long line of empty promises that will likely never materialize.
It’s high time to break free from this cycle of manipulation and make informed decisions. Remember, the choice you make today will shape the state’s future for the next five years. Don’t let fake promises dictate your vote. Choose wisely, choose for real change!
