The Historic decision of the Election Commission - 02/03/2009
The historic decision of the Election Commission of India to hold the Punjab Parliamentary polls in 2 phases is a major setback for the ruling coalition.By doing so the Election Commission has accepted the views of the Punjab Congress that the state is indeed sensitive and that free and fair polls cannot be expected without the significant presence of paramilitary forces.
By splitting the polling into 2 phases the paramilitary resources will be more visible on polling day and on the critical last few days preceding.
This decision also confirms that the Election Commission has taken cognisance of the attacks on Congress workers and leaders during the Corporation elections of 2007 and the Panchayati Raj Institutions elections last year.
The fact that polling in current Punjab has never been divided into 2 phases before is a slap in the face of the ruling family and a recognition by the EC that illegal strategies are being formulated by the Akalis to undermine and sabotage the forthcoming elections.
Whether this act of the EC will be sufficient to prevent the further "Biharisation" of Punjab by the Akalis cannot be established at this stage.
But what is certain is that the Akali goons and hoodlums now better think twice for every this historic decision by the EC will be followed by a record number of booths being repolled should they even think of disturbing the peace.
The EC is to be congratulated for taking this decision.
Jassi Khangura MLA
Halqa Qila Raipur
02 March 2009
