Rallies and road-shows be totally banned for future elections: TV debates and press-conferences be promoted
It refers to confusing decision of Election Commission of India ECI on 15.05.2019 announcing a total ban on poll-campaign in West Bengal but with effect from 10 pm on 16.05.2019 rather than mandatory from 5 pm on 17.05.2019 considering heavy violence during road-show by BJP President Amit Shah on 14.05.2019. But it is beyond understanding why ECI did not impose ban with immediate effect just after its announcement on 15.05.2019.
Election-rallies and road-shows are insensible style of poll-campaign involving extra-large heavy expenditure on unproductive mode of poll-campaign. Ban on banners and posters has provided remarkable results resulting in stopping wastage of money and keeping cities clean. Earlier there used to be fights over sticking and removing posters and banners by rival candidates.
Time has come to announce total ban on election-rallies and road-shows not only to maintain law, but also to eliminate heavy money required to contest elections involving role of black money also. Rallies also involve heavy misuse of public-resources and cause disruption in day-to-day life also causing road-jams. Instead live TV debates and press-conferences can be promoted where political leaders can express their view-points in a civilized manner.
MADHU AGRAWAL