It is now sixty three years since we ‘attained’ independence, i.e, since we decided to rule ourselves. Have we as a nation, as a democracy, acquitted ourselves creditably? We have had several elections, right from 1952. And yet we couldn’t streamline the election process effectively. This indeed is a sad state.The Pennagaram assembly by-poll is to be held tomorrow. All is set for the polling. Concerned over complaints of distribution of liquor, money and sarees, the Election Commission has directed the Tamil Nadu government to take "effective measures" to check corrupt practices by political parties!In a communications to the state Chief Secretary as also the Chief Electoral Officer, the EC sought an action-taken report on the series of steps it has asked to be taken to ensure free and fair poll. "You are requested to instruct the police administration down the line up to the police station level to take effective measures so that corrupt practices by political parties or individuals to lure voters to cast vote in their favour are stopped at all costs", the EC said in the direction. It wanted the erring officials to be "effectively punished".Besides, it said three additional companies of Central police should be deployed in the constituency in addition to the six companies already deputed.The Commission also directed the CEO to station in Dharmapuri, under which the assembly falls, himself and personally monitor the developments.It also deputed another observer in addition to two already posted there to monitor the election process and apprise the EC of the latest situation. This is an indication of the maturity we have managed to gather during the course of six decades!
H Ramakrishnan