The shameful abuse of electoral process

When I was in school I often used to see candidates contesting each & every election ranging from municipality to president, each time forfeiting their deposit. I often used to wonder what their motivating factor is till I came across an article about the freebies each candidate was entitled to.

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It made a tidy little sum in the form of 2 zeeps (in short supply with black market in those days). As also a quota of paper again of black market variety, free telephone calls, publicity & armed escort. Interesting ugh! I am shocked to find the abuse continuing even now one national party is contesting in all seats in my state.

I know one candidate for quite some time being from my area. The fellow used to have a table space & some obscure NGO. With each election, I find that his office size is increasing he has tried his hand in no of ventures & having failed in all of them keep coming back to politics. His USP, you have guessed it he is from minority.

In our city we have a beautiful library. In the last election, it was taken over by chief election commissioner who made a mess of the same. This time again it has been taken over I am sure the history will be repeated. Seizure of large vehicle for electoral duties is another nuisance.

I wonder why not they can hire taxies or government vehicles. The answer is obvious they will have to pay the rent for which they have no money & the babus will not like being deprived of their cars. This year in one case a person having a sick wife requiring frequent visits to doctor was one such victim & his brand new tavera was taken over at 15 minutes notice.

The gutsy fellow moved to court which ordered the election commission to return the same.

As 1

It was being used for personal purpose.

2 motor vehicle act does not permit the same.

I am shocked to find that in contempt of court order the vehicle is yet to be released. As the election commission is likely to go for appeal but mean while the order is binding but still it has become a prestige issue & they will not let go of the vehicle knowing very well that no harm will come to them.

This despite the matter getting sufficient adverse publicity, it has become a big racket with owners either keeping their vehicles in side Or making sure that the same are not seized obviously for a consideration. In another case, I know the deputy chief secretary ordered the release of the vehicle. The owner was even prepared to do the needful still the arrogance& ego of the concerned babu did not permit him to release the same.

The angry owner got the vehicle out in garage for repair pulled some strings & ultimately got the vehicle released. The quality of the Offspring’s of such process is obvious. I wonder what I will have to witness next. There is no end to this night(mare)