'Election Commission & samosas' by K.J.S.Chatrath

All praise must go to Mr Seshan who gave a new life to the Election Commission of India (ECI)- not so much by obtaining new powers for the ECI but by using the existing powers to the hilt- without fear or favour. Law has to be strictly enforced and obeyed was the message that he was also able to send down the line right up to the polling booths.

After him came a number of Election Commissioners, and it must be said to their credit too that they kept taking the ECI in the right direction. Now that no one even talks of booth rigging is a great compliment to all the Officers and men of the Election Commission.

Let me end by saying that there comes a time when one has to draw a line between issues and non-issues to be tackled.

In this connection the latest endeavour of the ECI in issuing orders that offering of tea, coffee and samosas during elections would be calculated as an expense seems non-serious. In attempting tostandardize samosas further into samosa with chutney at Rs.7/- and samosa with chaanay at Rs 10 per piece is getting into non-issues.

Respected Election Commission, Sir, please keep the focus on the core issues and dont get involved into trifling non-issues.