Ex-Chief Election Commissioner Rues

Gopalaswami’s Concern

At a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday after demitting office, outgoing Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami rued the growing criminalization of politics in the country and favoured barring of candidates with heinous criminal charges against them from contesting elections. That his concerns are genuine and stem from the rot that Indian politics has reduced itself to, need not be overemphasized. It is not just criminalization of politics but also politicization of crime that has made this country one of the most notorious nations in the world with little or no regard for democratic and constitutional norms. If we take pride in India being the world’s largest democracy, it is solely because of the fact that we are the world’s second most populous country in the world (thanks to our uncontrolled population growth and the failure of the successive governments to strictly implement a pragmatic population policy) and that the most populous country, China, is a communist state. In other words, that we are the world’s largest democracy should not at all be a reason for any kind of euphoria, especially in view of the functioning of our democracy and how our legislative bodies are now crowded by lawmakers who are the best lawbreakers too and have criminal backgrounds or propensities. The last Lok Sabha had over 120 MPs with criminal charges against them, ranging from kidnapping and rioting to rape, loot, murder and mayhem. And what is the guarantee that the next Lok Sabha will be free from such elements, given the best immunity on earth they enjoy just because they can manage to be elected as MPs by wielding muscle power and thus by intimidating the helpless and defenceless electorate? This is what Mr Gopalaswami points to as he harps on the unbridled flow of criminals into the realm of politics, as if goons are a necessity in today’s brand of politics.
The former Chief Election Commissioner also said that the use of money power was another major problem facing the electoral process of the country. ‘‘I am not saying that the rich should not contest... the amount of money that is now being spent is enormous... For parties who say that the sealing of Rs 25 lakh is too little an amount, I would say that there are parties which are managing with that amount. Then why can’t others?’’ Mr Gopalaswami asked. The answer is simple: the more you spend money (which means the more you distribute money to buy voters) and the more you are assured of the flow of money (which means the more you know of the ways and means of pooling money from various sources, mostly black), better are your chances of winning the election without having to perform anything at all. Money power is a reality in Indian politics because votes are a purchasable commodity, thanks to the rampancy of poverty, illiteracy and backwardness that characterizes the majority of Indian voters, who are in rural areas. As for muscle power, it holds sway because hooliganism and intimidation of voters are a security against the pitfalls of non-performance. After all, it is power that matters and must be had at any cost. What then is so representative about Indian democracy? The likes of N Gopalaswami know the answer. And hence the lamentation, despite the fact of democracy in a region where neighbours like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are still grappling with the very idea of democracy.

The above is from an Editorial in "The Sentinel" a reputed paper published from Gauhati.
No futher explanation is required for me.
However, what I lament is why did not Mr. Gopalaswami do something about it while he was CEC.
The CEC enjoys tremendous powers, if only he uses them.
This was proved by Mr. T N Seshan, who set the benchmark.
If they had followed up from there, condtions would have improved further.
Why don't they scrutinize the nomination forms more thoroughly and disqualify persons with criminal record for giving false information?
Why do they allow people with criminal records who have been convicted to be released on bail to canvass for their wives and mothers. All such people people should be put on a list maintained by thanas and put in jails during elections.
Why are't extortionists too similarly put in jails.
Why don't they countermand elelctions whenever any candidate or his agent is murdered, why countermand only if a candidate of a political party is killed. Why the difference?
Violence can be reduced if we punish violence.
When we condone it, it increases as it is very paying.
MR GOPALASWAMY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN ACTION WHEN HE WAS CEC AND NOT LAMENT NOW.