All are keenly following Maharashtra politics. The bizarre developments have created new lows, where the voting public have been taken for a ride, which must end.
BJP and Sena, both rightwing Hindutva parties fought the elections together, and their combined strength was sufficient to form the government. Issues over a purported 50:50 seat-sharing formula that covered the Chief Minister’s post became an unresolved thorny issue that ended in a breakup between the two parties, resulting in their failure to form or offer a government.
Thus, BJP and Shiv Sena committed a misdemeanour, if not a crime, by going back on their pre-poll stand on which basis, they received the votes. There is no legal remedy for the cheated voters in this regard.
Next, the Sena formed a post-poll alliance with its avowed enemies the NCP and Congress. Whatever is happening in the intervening period is a sordid and lusty drama for power by deceit and fraud on the voters.
Maharashtra events must not be viewed only from the angle of the elected representatives but must open up debates on the pre-poll alliances and the need to adhere to values and systems proposed. I hope the public interest litigation filed on the matter is taken up by the Supreme Court in its right earnestness and the issue discussed in the parliament for the avoidance of such recurrence.
Democratic values stand deeply eroded, as the relation between voters and those elected become truncated, the former helplessly watching, while the latter move from one resort to another like smuggled animals.
Jai Hind
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
