The government appears intent on altering the electoral equations in its favour. The proposed reservation for STs in Assembly constituencies raises concerns that existing seat holders may be displaced for political advantage. There are also rumours of migration of such a reservation to the Velim constituency. Parties are often accused of giving tickets to candidates who can finance expensive campaigns, leaving little opportunity for capable, honest and deserving candidates. In such a system, the role of unaccounted money cannot be ignored. Parties may then choose a candidate considered “winnable”, rather than one who is genuinely worthy of representing the people. At times, dummy candidates may be fielded to divide votes, while some candidates may even withdraw from the contest in return for consideration. The fundamental question is: Do voters really get a fair choice of a capable, honest and corruption-free candidate who is willing to devote himself to public service and social causes? When candidates spend enormous sums to win elections, there is inevitably a temptation to recover those expenses and accumulate funds for the next election. Reservations should serve social justice, not become another instrument for manipulating electoral equations.
NELSON LOPES, Chinchinim
