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Journalism of Courage
It8217;s amazing how time and technology do not wither the infinite variety of criminals out to snatch electoral victories through fraudulent means. There may now be EVMs, instead of ballot boxes, voter identity cards instead of white slips bearing names and numbers, but in the endemic 8220;rigging regions8221; of the nation, systematic attempts at undermining the free and fair process of polling continues without let or hindrance as criminals adjust with ease to new realities.
By ordering repolling in all seven assembly segments of Chapra, the Election Commission has now sent out the message that rigging does not pay. Laloo Prasad Yadav, whose electoral fortunes are tied with the Chapra verdict, may protest as much as he likes but from all evidence 8212; not just the accounts of independent media professionals but data garnered by the EC8217;s inquiry team 8212; fairly widespread rigging took place, as did mob violence and the intimidation of voters. Laloo8217;s wife, as the chief minister of the state, should have ensured that the EC was given every cooperation to ensure that the crucial Chapra election went off without untoward incident. Instead, it appears that efforts were made by political heavyweights to over-awe, not just voters, but poll personnel. It was also discovered that such efforts were made, not just by the RJD, but some of the very actors that have loudly protested the rigging. The EC8217;s action will now persuade all parties to the crime to hunker down and allow voters to decide who their leaders are without fear or favour.
