Political leaders make hundreds of promises to win the elections (and forget about them after winning). Free electricity, water, wifi, better roads, schools, hospitals and colleges are the norm. And then, there are those out-of-the-world ideas to get more votes. Some of them are way too bizarre to even think about.
Here's a look at some of the funniest, weirdest poll promises we came across (and while they might not be enough to get your vote, they sure will get a laugh out of you).
1. LIQUOR AT RS 70
Ahead of Assembly elections 2024 in Andhra Pradesh, BJP’s Andhra unit president Somu Veerraju promised cheap liquor in the state. While addressing a rally in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on December 28 this year, Veerraju said, "Cast one crone votes to BJP and we will provide liquor for just Rs 70." Wait, there is more to it. He went on to add that if more revenue is left, the liquor cost will be brought down to Rs 50.
#AP #BJP President #SomuVeerraju promises to give ‘cheap’ liquor at Rs 70 if 1 crore citizens vote for BJP in 2024 polls. If more revenue left then will provide 'quality' liquor for just Rs.50#PrajaAgrahaSabha #Vijayawada @NewsMeter_In @CoreenaSuares2 pic.twitter.com/4mNLAYjsQZ
— SriLakshmi Muttevi (@SriLakshmi_10) December 29, 2021
2. 1 CRORE IN BANK ACCOUNTS, TRIP TO THE MOON, A HELICOPTER AND THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD BASICALLY
These are the most bizarre promises of all time. In March 2021, before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, one candidate offered literally the moon to voters. A 34-year-old independent candidate named Saravanan from South Madurai, Tamil Nadu, promised to give iPhone, a car, helicopter, a robot, Rs 1 crore for young voters, a three-storied house with a swimming pool and (hold your breath) a 100-day vacation on the moon.
Madurai South makkaley... Bonanza awaits you. This guy is promising ₹ 1 crore in your account (not jujubi ₹ 15 lakh). pic.twitter.com/L4KnEH2lx6
— RadhakrishnanRK (@RKRadhakrishn) March 24, 2021
There’s definitely a catch: Later, Saravanan said in an interview that the aim was to create awareness against people falling for freebies offered by political parties. “I want people to choose ordinary candidates.”
3. NO POLICE INTERVENTION IN CHILD MARRIAGES
While many are fighting against child marriages in local areas of the country, political leaders are openly promising them. Back in 2018, a BJP candidate, Shobha Chouhan from Sojat Assembly seat in Rajasthan said that in her constituency, she would ensure no police trouble in child marriages if voted to power. This viral speech sparked controversy on a national level.
4. RS 5 LAKH FOR PEOPLE WHO DIE IN BULL ATTACKS
Former Uttar Pradesh CM and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav has promised Rs 5 lakh compensation for those who lost their lives in bull attacks if SP wins the UP election in 2022. The party posted this on their official Twitter handle on December 28.
— Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) December 28, 2021
5. RS 5 LAKH IN UP, ONCE AGAIN
As a cycle is Samajwadi Party’s symbol, party chief Akhilesh Yadav also declared Rs 5 lakh compensation to bicycle riders who died in an accident after winning 2022 Assembly elections. Many Twitter users are trolling this poll promise. Take a look.
Up ke ladke apne budhe dada logo ko jabrdasti thok denge 5 lakh ke liye ??
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) December 28, 2021
Matlb Kuch bhi .......Kuch aisa sochte jisse rojgar ki bat hoti ....had hai ???
— shivanshu sengar (राम)⛳ (@shivanshusenga4) December 29, 2021
6. GOVERNMENT WILL PAY CHALLANS
In order to win the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) election, BJP State president Bandi Sanjay said that the Municipal body will pay all the pending traffic challans.
Now, if history is anything to go by, tall promises made by politicians before elections are hardly ever fulfilled. The smart thing to do is not fall for these... after all, there are no free lunches (or trips, or booze, or anything).