Election campaigns in big states are usually characterised by star-studded events and high decibel debates between leaders of rival political parties, accompanied by pre-recorded messages and slogans being played on loudspeakers mounted on auto-rickshaws. The scenario is different in smaller states, especially in Northeast India, with celebrities rarely getting involved in campaigning and less noise pollution. But going by the frequency of poll-related violence reports, the political undercurrent appears to be stronger in this part of the country than the rest. Two north-eastern states – Meghalaya and Nagaland – that are going to the polls later this month, are already in the news for all the wrong reasons. In a suspected case of election-related violence, unidentified miscreants ransacked a house in Mokokchung town on Monday night, injuring two persons, thus prompting the police to register a case on the matter. A day later, a clash between activists of the Trinamool Congress and National People’s Party was reported in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, leaving four persons injured. The Chief Electoral Officer of the state has said that as many as 131 people identified by the police in the case will be bound over to prevent recurrence of such incidents. While the police have done its job in preventing both the cases from escalating, it is baffling when the people of the region keep resorting to violent activities every election. It is a matter of serious concern that needs to be pondered upon by both the leaders and the general public, and end violence once and for all.
Election campaign windows are opened to the intending candidates for a specific period before the poling day so that they can interact with the electorates, present their policies and convince the voters to elect them. Political bickering and criticising the opponents is expected during election time but depriving an individual from standing for election, conducting campaigns or voting for candidate of one’s choice through use of brute force and coercion undermine civil and political rights. Sadly, elections have become synonymous with violence in most Indian states, especially in the Northeast. Any disruption to electoral process undermines quality of democracy. Political leaders should not instigate party workers to take law into their own hands. The concerned authorities should set a precedent by penalising people resorting to anti-social activities. Supporters of various political parties should respect each other’s space, be it during election campaign period or the polling day. Free and fair election is vital for a vibrant democracy. North-eastern states should shun violence during elections, starting with Nagaland and Meghalaya in the upcoming assembly polls.
