An Election Scene

In a democratic society, the representatives are elected by voting. It may be at a school or college level, at a state level, or for Lok Sabha.

The occasion for elections is full of excitement. The different candidates canvass for themselves. Meetings are organized. Manifestos are announced by the respective party candidates. For State Assembly and for Lok Sabha elections are held usually after five years. But recently a different trend was observed. It appeared to be a very dangerous one. The majority party tried to show superiority drill at the state level also.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the elections to state (Vidhan Sabha) assembly and Lok Sabha were announced. Earlier the president's rule continued for years together. Jammu and Kashmir is a disturbed state. The candidates had a militant threat. They killed a number of candidates. The candidates were provided with security during the election campaign. At some places, election meetings were held. Canvassing for candidates was also done. But overall it was a subdued one.

The Left parties boycotted the elections. The Central Government made a full proof arrangement. Border Security force contingents were arranged in great numbers to conduct elections peacefully. The people came out in great numbers in cities but in villages, people feared. The Government organized an election campaign through All India Radio and Door Darshan.

On the appointed day, the elections took place. The propaganda was stopped 48 hours in advance. The Chief Election Commissioner had arranged for many election booths for the voter and to exert a minimum effort. Protection was available throughout. The B.S.F. contingents were patrolling throughout the state. A.I.R. and Door Darshan made special arrangements for telecasting results. Wide communication channels were available. Every counting station could be talked about and brought directly on the TV screen.

So modern communication made viewers know the results in a short time. The Congress won the majority and formed the Government in Jammu and Kashmir for the next five years: Let us wish that condition of Jammu and Kashmir improves and people are saved from a great mental agony.