CHENNAI: The political parties' election promises such as rice for Rs. 2 and a colour television for every family was the focal point of the discussion organised by the Young Men's Indian Association (YMIA) and the Rajaji Centre for Public Affairs on Monday.

B.S. Raghavan, former bureaucrat, said that while the promises brought the one-time capital expense up to Rs. 10,000 crore, they increased the State's recurring expense to around Rs. 6,000 crore annually. This would plunge the State into bankruptcy for the next 20 years, he said. "Where have the priorities gone and where is the money going to come from?" he asked.

He said that while 30 per cent of the electorate voted for symbols, 20 per cent were lured by the freebies. If the remaining 50 per cent who refrained from voting were motivated to cast their ballot, the country's political history could be rewritten, he said.

People should come forward in a wave to vote or at least exercise their right of using the 49-O form to state that they were not voting because they did not like any of the candidates.

Savithri Kannan, a columnist, described the free gift promises as a bribe that was an affront to one's dignity. He said in the selection of candidates, loyalty to the party, caste and the ability to spend were the qualities considered, rather than merit.

Y.S. Kannan of the BJP said that when people spurned old clothes given to them after the tsunami, the promise of freebies challenged their self-respect and dignity. He said providing entertainment by giving TV sets is not a responsibility of a State in a sovereign democratic republic. He said that except in a situation of ill health or if one was out of station, every voter should exercise his or her franchise.

Ilanthirumaran, Lok Paritran candidate from Chepauk constituency, said their party was formed after five years of deliberation. A corruption-free government was the only free thing the party promised. Saying "Yerpathu Igazhchi" — it is demeaning to receive — he said Paritran meant to provide complete relief from distress.

A. Gopanna of the Congress narrated the history of the Congress that overthrew the Justice Party in 1937 and ruled till 1967.

"As our vision is at the national level, the regional parties wield a strong influence in Tamil Nadu," he said pointing out that the Congress always maintained its individuality, whichever party it supported.

The heated discussion concluded with a question-and-answer session.

G. Narayanaswamy, president, YMIA, moderated the discussion. G. Subramanian, of the YMIA also participated.

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