Letters to The Editor: Poll Violence in Bengal

Apropos to the news report '5 killed in poll related violence in Bengal', published in your esteemed newspaper, on April 11, it's very saddening that five persons have lost their lives during the fourth phase of Assembly election in West Bengal, owing to poll violence. Not only just that, in this polling phase, five candidates were attacked too. The most unfortunate thing is that the Election Commission could not stop the tradition of election violence of the State going on for the past a few years, even by organizing the State's 294 seats' polling in eight phases and deploying huge number of security forces throughout the State, this time. The Election Commission should now take more stricter stand in this matter and take all necessary steps needed immediately for the rest of the phases of polling in Bengal. Otherwise, it could be said for sure, the number of poll violence would increase in the days to come and more people would be fatally injured in those incidents.

Sourish Misra,

Kolkata.

Very alarming

The whole democratic system of the country at present is under severe test as evidenced by the poll-related violence in the States of West Bengal and Kerala. The political mayhem occurring daily in these two states is similar to a civil war-like situation. It may be due to the fact that nation's politics is now infested with persons of dubious character and doubtful loyalty to the nation.

Now the question that arises is: is this the price of being a secular democracy? Only time will say.

Joel Goyari,

Tangla.

Shortage of COVID vaccine

It is learnt from the media that a number of States are grappling with COVID-19 vaccine shortage as the second wave of corona infection has already hit the country badly. But several crore people have already received the first dose of vaccine and are waiting for the second dose since receiving only one dose does not provide the full protection and effectiveness of the medicine. Given the spread of the virus and the serious health risk it poses, the second dose is strongly recommended by medical experts. But shortage of the vaccine at this crucial time may badly affect the people who have already received the first dose. Therefore, considering the necessity and emergency of the vaccine, the government must look into the matter seriously and take early necessary steps to supply sufficient number of vaccines to the States to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection in the country.

Rupak G. Duarah,

Guwahati.

Who is responsible?

Alarm bells are ringing in the State as there is sudden spike in COVID-19 cases. If the present trend continues then there is every possibility of yet another lockdown in the State. In that case one shudder to think about the plight of the common people. The cause of the second wave is due to laxity shown by the politicians and their supporters during the election time. COVID protocols were thrown out during the election rallies. Now the people are bearing the brunt of the laxity of the political parties.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

No ideology

In Indian politics there is absolutely no set of ideology for any party. There is only one mantra – "win by hook or crook" and following "my enemy's enemy is my friend". Of course, such alliances do differ from state to state for these parties. The present day political leaders' attitude is "even if I lose an eye, no problem. But the enemy should lose both the eyes". Ironically, later on, the same alliances is broken on some personal ego and the ruling party loses its majority to force a re-election at the cost of honest taxpayers' money. At that time none of these leaders would be concerned, either about their ideology, secularism or even democracy, which goes for a toss.

Chandan Kumar Nath,

Sorbhog.

Voting and its consequences

The three phases of Assam Assembly Election have been completed successfully in all the constituencies of Assam, following the COVID protocols. The voters were given masks and gloves before entering the voting compartment. The voters after giving their valuable votes were seen throwing their gloves here and there in campuses. Those were initially given as a preventive measure against the deadly virus of COVID-19. But if the gloves are thrown recklessly everywhere, will the safety and security of people be ensured? So, through this column of your esteemed daily I would like to request the authority concerned to create awareness amongst people in such situations and demonstrate them as to how and where to throw such waste products. Thank you.

Aranyani Borah,

Guwahati.

Sign of surrender?

A few days are left for the declaration of poll results but the Opposition camp looks like they are formulating new excuses to bail them out post-May 2. Previously EVM tampering card was put as excuse and this time 'horse trading'. The first glimpse of horse trading in Assam was demonstrated by the Congress during the Rajya Sabha polls when they hijacked two MLAs of the then Opposition BJP openly and made them vote for the ruling party candidate. Now the same Congress is showing signs of nervousness about horse trading. Was their selection of candidates so weak that integrity/commitment is always doubtful? If this the reason, the poll panel of the party is to be blamed. As of now let's stop playing politics, seen enough of dirty politics in the last three months. Our pride Bohag Bihu is approaching, let's enjoy the festival. The next date of politics is booked on May 2.

Tanveer Mullah Haq,

Nalbari.