‘Loyalty’ factor is clearly missing in this year’s BMC polls as hopeful candidates who were denied a ticket by their party are openly supporting the rival group. The elections have become tight with no pre-poll alliance which means a wide split in regional votes and most results are likely with a fewer margin. Poaching of candidates has become the order of the day and almost all parties are responsible for this act.
The elections have turned ugly and candidates denied tickets are out there to mint money by accepting bribes and working for the rivals. Voters too are confused as candidates in many wards are outsiders which is really is a pity as they would disappear after winning which truly is an dilemma of our electoral process. Education is the need of the hour and we need to have certain qualifications like minimum education degree, work done by candidates in their wards, social background etc on which the candidates should be selected. Poll reforms are urgently needed in our country be it for national or local elections to take our nation forward to the path of development and progress.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
