Congress candidate from Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam made an eyebrow-raising pledge. Kantilal Bhuria, in a public rally, made headlines by proposing a rather unconventional incentive in the name of the grand old Congress party. This pledge indirectly implied cold, hard cash for married women in exchange for being voted into power. The offer? A tidy sum of Rs 1 lakh for every woman in the household. Thereafter, he laughed as he went on to pledge 2 Lakhs for those who have 2 wives! But behind the laughter that followed Bhuria’s announcement lies a serious question: is this the next level of minority appeasement? Let’s talk!
Is Congress On A Subtle Vote-Buying Bonanza?
#WATCH | While addressing a public rally, Congress candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, Kantilal Bhuria says, "…After the Congress govt comes to power, what we have written in our constitution, Rs 1 lakh will be credited in the account of every woman, and those who have 2… pic.twitter.com/xzTSXoGzH2
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2024
Congress MP Bhuria’s pitch seemed more akin to a salesman’s spiel than a political promise. After all, why would the party promise money in accounts, lakhs of rupees, just to be voted into power? According to Bhuria, under a Congress government, every woman would be entitled to a whopping Rs 1 lakh, with the pot increasing multifold for those practicing polygamy. Is this a novel approach of appeasement-centric vote-buying?
As the nation struggles to provide jobs and food to an ever-growing demography, Congress’s proposal from its Lok Sabha Candidates mouth seems to encourage a particular section to go forth and conquer more wives. Such a sentiment is not a simple act of minority appeasement, it addresses a very specific section of minorities. Only one religion in India is allowed to have more than one wife. So the conversation that suggestively implies the incentivization of polygamy in a particular faith! Such rhetorics by Congress Candidates are biased at best and hateful at worst.
It seems to suggest that CONgress party that began its campaign with a – “Jitni Abadi Utna Haq” has transitioned to – “Jitni Biwi Utna Haq“!
No Laughing Matter: The Audience Reaction to Political Pandering of Congress
Congress Ratlam candidate – read our manifesto, when we come to power, every woman will get Rs 1 lakh in bank account. If a man has 2 wives each will get 1 lakh so they will get Rs 2 lakh”
— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) May 10, 2024
As Bhuria delivered his proposition with a chuckle, the audience also laughed with him. However, he did not once take back his words or imply that he meant it as a joke. This lack of denial is as telling as the ‘joke’ in itself. Laughter filled the rally’s air, but behind the smiles, one couldn’t help but wonder: would such a scheme truly be implemented if Congress comes to power?
Is the CON party willing to deliver incentives that seem to directly favor a particular segment of society?
Beyond the chuckles and applause in the rally, lies a more sinister reality of the grand old party. Such political discourse shows rally promises exploit legal loopholes and dangle subtly promises of cash incentives for votes. Is Congress playing a dangerous game, one that risks undermining the very fabric of democracy for petty gains in minority appeasement? If they win, who loses out? And what cost will Bharat have to pay ultimately?
A Wink and a Promise: Is This A Bad Bargain?
While Bhuria’s rally proposals may seem like a windfall for some, it’s worth considering who gets left behind. What are the ethical implications of incentivizing practices that are morally questionable? Is free electricity worth the price of overall progress? Is free money worth letting the nation be looted?
A smart man knows to question if something is being marketed for free, then what is the saleable profit generating product.
Is it YOU dear voter?!
Thus, Bharat’s voters must face the choice of being the voice of the nation or the commodity sold for ‘parivarik’ gains. Empty poll promises and politically pandering schemes directed at the minorities ensure that Bharat continues to fight on religion, castes, and creed. The only loser in such a scenario is the progress of the nation. Don’t believe this? Look at how Tech-Hub Karnataka turned into Tanker-Hub Karnataka. Moreover, look at erudite Kerala that begs repeated relief every budget session. Finally, observe AAP’s Delhi Model, where free electricity and water led to Liquor Scams, Textbook scams, Mohalla Clinic scams, and more of enormous proportions.
Selling Votes or Serving Values – The Choice That Bharat Faces
Congress Candidate from Madhya Pradesh is one small cog in a giant appeasement wheel. A well cast vote is the only thing that stops the CON party from bringing Bharat’s racehorse economy to a standstill riddled with freebie debt. Thus, the ultimate decision rests in the hands of the public. Will they choose democracy and progress or will they settle for a bad bargain of short-lived freebie benefits? Only time will tell.
In the end, Bhuria’s proposal is a short lived blip in the dynamics of Bharat’s democracy. Where promises are plentiful but the substance and results are scarce. Thus, citizens must recognize that democracy is not a transactional business but a collective endeavor. And it requires the active participation of all its stakeholders. Therefore, Bharat must come forth to choose wisely this election season, for the future of our democracy depends on it. Every vote matters!