Poll violence
The report, “12 killed as violence mars panchayat polls in Bengal” (Page 1, July 9), and the magnitude of malpractices such as rigging and snatching of ballot papers, made sad reading. Though it is the prime responsibility of the State government to maintain law and order, it appears that the issues between the State government and the State Election Commission came in the way of fair elections. At this point of time, one is reminded of the meticulous planning and execution by the former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan, who took pains to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections across the country.
It is unfortunate that politicians want to capture power by hook or by crook. People occupy second place.
