In the high-stakes arena of Indian politics, election manifestos are treated as sacred contracts between parties and voters. These documents outline ambitious promises—from economic reforms to free electricity—yet many vanish after elections. The politics of broken manifesto pledges isn’t just a betrayal of trust; it exposes systemic flaws in governance. Why do parties overpromise, and what does this mean for democracy?
1. The Illusion of Accountability
Manifestos are crafted to win votes, not govern. Parties pledge job creation, loan waivers, and healthcare reforms, but budget constraints, bureaucracy, and coalition deals often derail execution.
Key issue: No legal binding. Unlike some democracies, India’s Election Commission treats manifestos as “guidelines,” letting parties backtrack without consequences.
2. Case Studies: Promises vs. Reality
- BJP’s Black Money Promise (2014): ₹15 lakh per citizen account? Unfulfilled.
- Congress’s Nyay Scheme (2019): Minimum income guarantee? Never implemented.
- AAP’s Pollution Pledge: 70% reduction in Delhi’s pollution in 5 years? Still aspirational.
While pandemics or economic crashes delay some promises, others fail due to populism over planning.
3. Why Parties Break Promises
- Unrealistic Goals: Loan waivers or free utilities win votes but wreck budgets.
- Coalition Pressures: Allies force compromises (e.g., dropped reforms).
- Crisis Shifts: COVID-19 diverted funds from welfare schemes.
- No Penalties: Zero legal fallout for broken vows.
4. The Voter’s Dilemma: Trust vs. Apathy
Broken promises fuel disillusionment, yet voters prioritize caste/religion over performance. Solutions?
- Legal Mandates: Penalize parties for key unfulfilled pledges.
- Transparency: Quarterly reports on manifesto progress.
- Voter Education: Scrutinize track records, not slogans.
5. Conclusion: Democracy at Risk
When manifestos become marketing tools, democracy suffers. Until accountability exists, elections risk being spectacles, not instruments of change.
As India approaches 2024 polls, voters must ask: Are we electing leaders or illusionists?
