For fair poll in Punjab

A very ominous shadow has cast itself on the Punjab assembly scene. It is the shadow of the criminal. A large number of proclaimed offenders in Punjab — some 20,000 — is not the only unusual thing that should surprise the visiting Election Commission team. There are 52 gangs in operation as the state DGP has helpfully acknowledged. Parole rules have been relaxed to let convicted criminals offer help in elections. Each SHO reports to a halqa in-charge who decides against whom to proceed or not to proceed. The Punjab Police has been reduced to a political wing of the ruling party.

Never before have so many easy-to-manage state officers been given so many district-level postings. Independent and idealistic IPS officers are unwelcome. It is possible after official briefings and an interaction with select opposition leaders the Election Commission may reach an “all-is-well” conclusion. The team should listen to ordinary citizens, particularly villagers, to know to what extent the rule of law prevails in Punjab.  Though officially, a code of conduct is enforced under the EC, the police and the bureaucracy remain beholden to politicians — for past or/and future rewards. Code violations happen but seldom are parties or influential candidates proceeded against. Malpractices are easily forgiven and forgotten. The use of cash, intoxicants and muscle power is known. When black money or drug seizures are made, seldom are these linked to the actual owners. Only those caught on the spot are booked. The police/officials on polling duty know who the real rulers are. How often are politicians or political parties acted against for open misuse of religion for political gain? 

The dismal situation makes holding a peaceful, fair and free poll a real challenge for the Election Commission. The Commission, to its credit, is a work in progress; it is constantly revising its standard operating procedures. Punjab will test the Commission’s resolve to hold a free and fair poll. It may have to come up with out-of-the-box steps if it wants to deliver in Punjab.