Significance of numbers

It cannot be denied that Indian democracy is unique in terms of the enhanced participation of the poor and the illiterate in the voting process and in the special feeling it creates in all voters on voting day (Editorial, May 18). But at the same time, it cannot be denied that the “purchase of one’s franchise” in States like Tamil Nadu is dangerous and spells trouble. The “special feeling” of pride and prestige shouldn’t be replaced by marking one’s presence on poll day as a result of gifts gained. It is disgraceful if parties stoop low to buy votes with freebies. When this is the state of affairs in elections, it would be rather funny to call it “a compact the state has with citizens”.

Meenakshi Pattabiraman,Madurai