By the time this newspaper reaches readers in the morning, the election results of five states—Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry—will be coming in, and vote counting will be underway. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to make any predictions about the results. However, every Indian would hope that the ultimate victory in these elections belongs to Indian democracy itself.
One major reason for this sentiment is the kind of hostility witnessed between the two प्रमुख parties—the BJP and the Trinamool Congress—during the West Bengal विधानसभा elections. This rivalry, at times, seemed to undermine the fundamental democratic principle that electoral contests between political parties are not expressions of enmity. Rather, they are meant to be healthy competitions where opponents challenge each other through restrained and dignified discourse.
In West Bengal, however, this sense of restraint was often missing, and both sides appeared to lose control over their language. Moreover, the way the Election Commission of India and its actions became a constant subject of controversy throughout the election process also raised concerns about democratic credibility. The disputes between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission even reached the Supreme Court, which, in some ways, affected the stature of the Commission, as it is considered an impartial and independent constitutional body.
In India’s electoral system, it is essential that the Election Commission remains above any doubt, as it derives its authority directly from the Constitution. Repeated questioning of its decisions in the Supreme Court can create confusion and doubts in the minds of the public. However, political parties are also responsible for this situation, as during elections, their party interests often take precedence over democratic values.
Ensuring the victory of democracy in West Bengal is ultimately the responsibility of political parties themselves, as they are the primary stakeholders in the system after the common people. Yet, while no major controversies regarding the Election Commission arose in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, or Assam, in West Bengal, the Commission was dragged into disputes almost daily. This can weaken public faith in democracy.
It is important that only those disputes which are constitutionally unavoidable are taken to the Supreme Court. However, in this case, the Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee approached the court even on matters related to the Election Commission’s procedural guidelines. For instance, the party challenged the Commission’s April 13 directive, which stated that both central and state government employees should be involved in the appointment of counting supervisors and assistants on the day of vote counting.
This dispute appeared unnecessary, as the Election Commission is bound to conduct free and fair elections in accordance with constitutional provisions. Both central and state government employees are expected to cooperate in this process. Typically, the District Magistrate or Collector acts as the Returning Officer and holds all authority related to election results. While these अधिकारियों are technically under the central service structure, in practice, they function under the state government, with the Chief Minister being their प्रमुख authority.
In line with the April 13 guidelines, the Election Commission would have carried out its duties by involving state government employees as counting supervisors or assistants. The Supreme Court also directed that the April 13 guidelines be implemented. Interestingly, both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress claimed this as their victory.
Leaders of the Trinamool Congress argued that the situation became clear after the Election Commission’s counsel informed the court that state government employees would indeed be appointed as counting assistants. In essence, the dispute was unnecessary, especially since the Calcutta High Court had already dismissed the state government’s plea earlier.
This time, elections in West Bengal were conducted with only sporadic incidents of violence and irregularities, and no deaths were reported—unlike previous elections in the state, which often witnessed significant हिंसा and loss of life. Elections are considered a festival of democracy, where people choose their preferred government. Maintaining the sanctity of this process is the responsibility of the Election Commission.
Due to a few irregularities, the Commission ordered re-polling at 14 polling stations in two constituencies and also decided that all polling stations in the Falta Assembly constituency would undergo re-polling on May 21 to ensure that the elections were conducted fairly and transparently.
Such decisions carry a significant message in a democracy, reflecting the will of the people. However, the Election Commission must also consider the issue of approximately 2.7 million people who were reportedly deprived of their voting rights despite having valid documents. What will happen to their democratic rights?
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar envisioned an empowered adult citizen who could freely exercise the right to vote. Ensuring that this right is protected, along with conducting elections peacefully and fairly, remains the responsibility of the Election Commission.
