Dissociating with the electoral process in the normal circumstances gives the impression that the advocates of the boycott either do not believe in democracy or are shy of facing the electorate. But when a powerful political party with an extensive popular base and with deep commitment to democratic ideology boycotts an election, obviously only some compelling reasons can prompt it to resorty to the extreme step.
The boycott of Punjab elections by the United Akali Dal is the logical consequence of the extraordinarily distressing conditions obtaining there conditions that totally preclude free and fair elections. The State is groaning under the ruthless and repressive army occupation for over two years; thousands of Sikhs, mostly the youth, are rotting in jails; civil liberties and basic human rights stand. suspended; public meetings, conferences and other means of mobilizing support are not permitted by the district Authorities; 70,000 additional troops have been deployed along with the already swelling number of army and paramilitary troops in Punjab. The total number of troops exceeds five hundred thousand.
Rigging on grand scale with perfect immunity is designed to be the distinctive feature of these elections. What useful purpose can be served by participating in such an election is not difficult to visualize. Under the circumstances, boycott is the only alternative, rather it is a political necessity as it would help keep the struggle alive and effective.
Evidently, Rajiv ordered elections after he failed to contain the growing Sikh sentiment for a sovereign status. To arrest the monmentum of the struggle, Rajiv Government is attempting to try a new strategy of temporarily giving political power to “Convenient Allies” among the Akalis. Persons like Barnala, Balwant Singh, Ravi Inder, Ramoowalia and Amatinder Singh, who are hell bent upon sacrificing the vital interests of the Sikh nation at the altar of their ambitions, appear to have given a categorical assurance to their Brahmin Master.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 7, 1990
