06-06-2005, 03:35 PM
<b>Democracy imperilled</b>
SirâThe Allahabad by-election saw an unprecedented violation of law and order before and during the polling. Hindu communities living in certain pockets of the city were threatened in order to prevent their members from casting their votes. Various residential areas witnessed firing and explosions. The perpetrators aimed at spreading terror. A large number of families locked themselves up in their houses as they were threatened of dire consequences if they ventured out to vote. The telecast of local television channels covering these unlawful activities was forcefully stopped. It is needless to mention the percentage of votes polled on the day of election. The most unfortunate aspect of the story is that all this happened in full view of the Stateâs police force. If members of the mafia get elected through the use of terror and violence, the fate of Indian democracy is imperilled.
Dhirendra Mishra
SirâThe Allahabad by-election saw an unprecedented violation of law and order before and during the polling. Hindu communities living in certain pockets of the city were threatened in order to prevent their members from casting their votes. Various residential areas witnessed firing and explosions. The perpetrators aimed at spreading terror. A large number of families locked themselves up in their houses as they were threatened of dire consequences if they ventured out to vote. The telecast of local television channels covering these unlawful activities was forcefully stopped. It is needless to mention the percentage of votes polled on the day of election. The most unfortunate aspect of the story is that all this happened in full view of the Stateâs police force. If members of the mafia get elected through the use of terror and violence, the fate of Indian democracy is imperilled.
Dhirendra Mishra