Code of Conduct Becomes Albatross Around Himachal’s Neck
Himachal This Week
While politicians are busy in elections of Gujarat, public in Himachal is suffering for virtually two months due to complete stultification of governance in the state. The government has come to a grinding halt since October 12 this year and those who have anything to do with the government are waiting till the code of conduct is lifted after counting of votes and declaration of results on December 18.
It is unfathomable how such a long paralysis of a government can be allowed in a developing state. Election Commission might be worried about the objectivity of voting process but it is impossible to completely insulate the voting in a state from the voting in another state. It is bound to happen in a functioning nation where numerous elections take place unless we enact Narender Modi dictum of one country one election. In fact such shut down of a government or governments puts the clock back of the working state. In Himachal, nothing is moving even payments to be made legitimately have been held up including the payment of MNREGA which involve lives of poor labour. It is atrocious to keep such payments hanging for want of results which are held up in view of election in another state.
In the meantime, a sling match of abuses and accusations is going on between the Congress and BJP. In Himachal, such abuses were not hurled on each other reflecting the character of a peaceful state. But some workers went physical fights as in Bhatiyat segment in the run up to assembly elections in Himchal. In spite of poor law and order situation as appeared from the guardians indulging in Kotkhai type mess, situation in the state was quiet.
After thes elections are over, it is worth a debate in Election Commission how to avoid such long inertia of governance in the process of elections. For the present it is grim punishment inflicted on the people who are waiting for executive actions.
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