Question of fair play

THE stay by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on panchayat elections in 275 Punjab villages has cast a shadow over the entire electoral process. Triggered by allegations of arbitrary rejection of nomination papers, the court’s intervention raises questions about transparency and fair play in the state’s grassroots democracy. The court’s stance reflects its deep concerns over democratic integrity in electoral procedures. At the heart of the issue is the widespread complaint that nominations were dismissed without due cause or personal hearings, seemingly to benefit candidates aligned with the ruling party. Such irregularities strike at the core of democratic principles, eroding public confidence not only in local governance but also in the broader political fabric of the state.

With over 3,600 nominations for sarpanch posts rejected and complaints of procedural lapses, accusations are mounting against the state government for undermining democratic norms. Several aspirants have had their papers rejected after symbol allotment, sparking further outrage and prompting an official inquiry. An unusual development also saw all 72 sarpanches in Patti, Tarn Taran, elected unopposed — although touted by some as democratic consensus, this certainly raises questions about transparency. Sarpanches were elected unopposed across some other districts too, with over 20,000 candidates withdrawing, allegedly under pressure; certainly, the whole process seems more than opaque. Along with reports of officials opting out of poll duty to avoid potential violence, the developments suggest an environment unconducive to fair electoral practices.

The state government, however, has denied allegations of bias. As the court prepares for a hearing on October 14, the question remains — will the government ensure a transparent and accountable election process? In the long run, democracy in Punjab depends on a credible response to these allegations and a commitment to rectifying flaws in the electoral machinery.