Once defeated candidates reclaim campaign gifts…

Indian democracy has finally matured and now comes with a refund policy. Across parts of Telangana, defeated candidates in the municipal elections reportedly visited voters to reclaim campaign cash and gifts, unless the voters could prove that they exercised their constitutional right in favour of the gift-bearing political Santa.

While some may bemoan this as democratic slide, as an economist, I see market correction! For decades, the relationship between candidate and voter resembled festive gifting: pressure cookers, mixers, saris, and envelopes of goodwill given in the spirit of vague obligations of reciprocity at the polling booth.  

Upfront payment, unverifiable performance, and non-existent enforcement, democracy had its flaws. From these shadowy, underground markets, we have finally evolved to a transactional era of post-purchase accountability. Operational questions persist though – if 3 out of 4 people in the family voted for the candidate, can they keep the vessel and return only the lid and the whistle? Can there be loyalty schemes – vote thrice and get a scooty?

More importantly, similar consumer rights must be bestowed upon voters. They must be entitled to warranties, guarantees, and after-sales service. It is only fair. Democracy cannot operate on a one-sided refund policy. Can every elected representative come with a 12-month no-questions-asked return window? If the performance is unsatisfactory, like too much noise, failure to switch on in assemblies, unexplained disappearance during crucial sessions, voters may initiate a replacement.

Political parties must be forced to provide a warranty against manufacturing defects in their ticketed candidates. Common faults include ideological leakage, sudden policy reversals, chronic absenteeism and that pervasive, yet mysterious condition called development delays (despite repeated announcements).

Similarly, campaign promises must be treated as advertised product features. Under the new system, unfortunately for the candidates, promises of pothole-free roads, reliable supply of water and power, and corruption-free governance cannot be later classified as “illustrative images only”. Misleading advertising is actionable under standard consumer law.

The trailblazers in Telangana may have done more than just recover a few pressure cookers. They have unwittingly elevated democracy onto a higher plane of transparency and accountability with a clear performance contract – deliver or be returned!

END OF ARTICLE