Tamil Nadu's upcoming elections may reignite the debate on political "freebies" as parties consider new promises to voters. Historically, elections in the state have seen a surge in freebie distribution, starting with color TVs in 1991. Subsequent elections featured promises like free gas stoves, mixies, grinders, fans, laptops, uniforms, shoes, and even housing and livestock, often targeting ration card holders or specific demographics. The state is now exploring direct benefit transfers for social security measures like pensions, potentially shifting from physical goods to cash.