The Election Commission, and the Central and State governments deserve rich praise for enabling a peaceful election process in five States. There were hardly any incidents of either violence or intimidation (Editorial — “Voting with our feet”, March 10).
It is a Herculean task to conduct elections in the country. The robust turnout — with exceptions here and there — is a clear signal to the rest of the world that the Indian voter can never be alienated from voting. Though there is the bright side to the exercise in terms of increased women’s turnout, there is also concern that those in the metros are quite apathetic. However, India is still number one in making any election process purposeful, meaningful and successful, thereby watering the roots of democracy.
J.P. Reddy,
Nalgonda, Telangana
The point that the gender gap is fast reducing is quite astonishing. It is also ironical that women are making a decision to choose the representatives at the local, State and national levels but are unable most of the time to express and exercise their choices and with such autonomy in their own homes.
Jashandeep Kaur Ahluwalia,
Khanna, Punjab
A rise in the percentage of voters can be linked to three factors: the credibility and the efficiency of the Election Commission in conducting elections; the freedom of voters in selecting their candidate without fear; and the growing interest of the young generation in being a part of the system.
However, as the “quantity” of voting goes up, the “quality” of candidates is going down in terms of integrity. Irrespective of the party they belong to, many have a history of crime, are beneficiaries of dynastic succession and have little track record of public service. This limits the choice of the electorate, as increasing use of the NOTA option will show. The high participation of people in the elections should energise the government and all political parties to reform the process so that only the best candidates are in the fray.
Y.G. Chouksey,
Pune
What was the need to give importance to exit poll results by various agencies when the results will be announced on Saturday? And why have the report on the front page?
R. Solairaj,
Chennai
As a citizen, my forecast is as follows. In Uttar Pradesh there will be a non-BJP government, with the BJP short of a majority. In adjoining Uttarakhand, the Congress may continue against all odds. In Punjab, the AAP will be the beneficiary, and in Goa too. The BJP will form the government in Manipur. The reason is that people in all these States want change. Voter enthusiasm across class and age is what makes our democracy beautiful. Change will also keep the Modi government on its toes.
Parthasarathy Sen
New Delhi
