Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2019 > Elections Free and Fair
Mainstream, VOL LVII No 45, New Delhi, October 26, 2019
Elections Free and Fair
Monday 4 November 2019, by
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Now that all party leaders are
Safely locked up,
We will yet show the carping world
How to hold free and fair elections.
Note that the electors are tucked away
Too in hotels where no one may
Approach them for anti-people
Discussions.
We will blow the myth that elections
Require candidates or electors,
Or, god forbid, electioneering.
We will prove that free and fair elections
Need only security forces
And dutiful election commissions.
Let the trouble-shooters beat their
Democratic breasts as much as they wish,
Or fish in enemy waters;
The world will see how democracy
Needs not people or pow-vow,
Only strong-minded Authority.
For sixty historic days we have shown
With intent resolute and clear
How peace and normalcy may be
Obtained by making the people disappear—
A feat that any democratic state
Could most cleverly emulate.
Yet again we are set to prove
Why it is we bear the sobriquet
Of being undisputed Vishwa Guru.
Badri Raina