Electoral Violence

 

 

October-November happens to be the festive season in Bihar. And year 2005 witnessed double festivity. While people of Bihar were busy in celebrating Durga Puja, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Chhatt and other minor festivals, the state administration, EC and the police were busy in organising the festival of democracy. K. J. Rao, adviser to the then Election Commissioner and Special Observer to Bihar Polls, was responsible for the free and fair election that took place after years. The election saw minimal violence because of his dedication, hard efforts and better electoral management. While the 15 years of Lalu-Rabri era came to end, Nitish Kumar came to power. People were surprised to see the environment in which the election was conducted.

It is because of the will of people like T.N. Seshan and K.J. Rao that electoral environment in the state has improved. However, even then, these musclemen were able to score in 2005 elections. But their decline started soon following the speedy trial through fast track courts. Once they were convicted, they became ineligible to contest the elections. Says Premchand Mishra, spokesperson, Bihar Congress Committee, “Due to the meticulous planning by the EC, we have been able to bring down electoral violence in the state substantially. The electorates are ready to weed out strongmen once and for all. A glimpse of this resolve was witnessed in the last election.”

However, P K Thakur, ADG (Headquarters), joint spokesperson, Police Headquarters, insists that speedy trials have helped. “By bringing the criminals to book, we have been able to send a positive signal to the common people. The sense of security has increased. It seems that we would be able to hold the next elections in a free, fair and fearless manner. The last Lok Sabha election has changed the perception. This has been achieved not only by heavy police deployment but also because common people have put their faith in the writ of the law,” he told TSI.