SUMMER - THE SEASON FOR ELECTIONS

 

India is comprised of 38 States and 8 Union Territories (UTs). Once in five years, people elect their representatives for the Legislative Assembly. All the States and UTs are unable to conduct the elections at a time due to various reasons. So this time four states – two from South India and two from North India and one UT from the South are going to the polls. The election dates with full details for all the four states and one UT were announced after discussing with these government officials well in advance. On the evening of 22 February 2021 in New Delhi, the Election Commission of India announced in a press meet the dates of polls and the final counting date. After the announcement, the political parties in each state and UT was instructed not to indulge in illegal methods of getting votes from the common people. In fact, the State and UT election commission officials were given proper guidance with a central police force, advisors, and supervisors. The process of election is not an easy job. It depends on many officials of the Centre, States, and UT.

In general, elections in India are conducted in the summer months like April and May as the examinations for schools and colleges are scheduled. The Election Commission announced the election dates in April 2021 and the counting of votes to take place on May 2. All the political parties are active in selecting candidates to get a comfortable majority in the Assemblies. The party people are busy devising their strategies to allot seats and select candidates. The media gets every-minute breaking news for conveying to the public. I closely follow that news and views by the political experts. Every political leader claims that their party will come to power next time. That’s their hope and goal for them.

The month of April is going to be very hot in all four states and one UT. In addition, the second wave of corona pandemic is on its way. Considering all these, we do not know how many will go and vote in April. The Election Commission has increased the number of polling stations considerably and one-hour extra time to felicitate the smooth running of a fair election. In general, 60 to 75% polling is an expected estimate. The rest of the 25 to 40% of voters do not vote due to various reasons. I belong to this category.

The leaders of National parties visit these states and UT more than once and conduct political meetings to influence the people to vote for their party candidates and also for the party they are associated with. Interestingly the ruling party in the Centre has allotted a number of projects in the field of infrastructure facilities in order to convince the common people to vote for them.

In fact, in a democracy, this is the way the politicians make their party come to power. I do not know why so many people assemble in the political meetings, taking selfies, shouting slogans, offering flower bouquets and colorful shawls. I consider such meetings give an opportunity for young politicians to join one of these parties to make their life prosperous by becoming a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) and later on a minister. Hopes are high. We the common people see all these dramas and enjoy the way people dance to the tunes of their heroes. Let’s wait and see the results on 2 May 2021. - NARA