First Phase of Karnataka Assembly Elections 2008

This is what I wrote to Star of Mysore that was published in today's (11 May 2008) issue with minimal editing (printed in red):

1. Finally the First Phase of elections is over.

2. A thousand gun salute to the Election Commission!! This is the first time in the last half a century that I have seen election sans posters, ugly painting of vacant spaces, screeching loud speakers, huge cut outs, procession of all netas along with their chamchas, and the list is endless. When I went to vote at 7 AM, no agent of any party was visible in the vicinity of the polling booth!

3. This election created history, in that, the former PM’s vehicle was seized a few days ago and yesterday he was checked out of Hassan, one of the former CM’s helicopter was attached and the pilot arrested, another former CM’s vehicle was seized for not possessing the permit, cash, liquor and other items worth lakhs of rupees were seized, and so on. Once, even my car was checked.

4. Although a few officials assigned with poll duties boldly refused to comply with the order, it remains to be seen as to what they would do if the authorities get tough. Some could produce medical certificates (that is available for a price in any case), despite not suffering from any serious ailment. I know of at least two people who were otherwise healthy but produced such certificates and avoided election duties. I also heard of another gentleman who was apparently suffering from some ailment and approached the highest authority available but was suspended from duties since his ECG was apparently normal. If the latter is true, it is really unfortunate since, if he was indeed not suffering from the ailment he claimed he was, he would not have approached the authorities at all, and he should have been let off with a warning instead of placing him under suspension.

5. Many felt that it was below their dignity to perform such menial duties as “Polling Officers”. One professor was heard grumbling that since he was drawing a higher pay than the DC, he was not bound to take any instructions from the DC. Sometimes I wonder as to whose duty it is to conduct the elections. After all, this is our country and state and we should take pride in participating in the election duties. I do not mind attending the duties if asked to do.

5. On the whole, the entire election process was a smooth affair, although the authorities must have burnt a lot of midnight oil to ensure that everything went smoothly. Kudos to the Election Commission and all the officials once again!