The culture of offering freebies—such as free electricity, cash transfers, and loan waivers—has become a hallmark of electoral politics in India. While projected as welfare, these promises often represent populist strategies lacking long-term vision and raise concerns over economic sustainability and democratic ethics. Understanding Freebies vs. Welfare Freebies are unconditional, non-targeted giveaways used to gain electoral mileage. In contrast, welfare schemes are structured investments in public goods like health, education, employment, and nutrition, designed to promote long-term human development.