Punjabis are known for their hospitality and flamboyance, but thanks to a proactive Election Commission in the state, both these qualities are missing from the election campaigning in Punjab this time. “Sober campaigning” would not be a euphemism, considering the fact that Elections Commission is counting even the number of tea cups served by a particular candidate in public meetings now.
Unlike previous elections when liquor was considered pre-requisite to charge up the cadres as well as allure the electorate, things are very different this time.
The fact that the Election Commission is keeping a parallel account of the expenditure incurred by the candidates has put a lot of restrictions on them. The candidates are finding it hard to show the electorate their hospitality. Every cup of tea in public meetings is being credited to the expenditure of the candidate. Tea served by any supporter of the candidate too could be credited into the account of the candidate. Samosas, pakoras and other snacks are now out of bounds for the public, as it could grossly escalate the expenditure of the candidate.
Many remember that in past elections of Punjab, there used to a free flow of liquor and it used be a carnival kind of atmosphere outside the election offices of the various candidates in the constituencies. The villagers would collect their “quota” of liquor from all the candidates and used to party for the entire election period.
However, things have changed for the better as candidates are dreading even to put up chairs for people in public meetings as even this could be added as election expenditure. They are preferring “daris (mats)” this time.
Punjab chief electoral officer Kusumjit Sidhu has said that Election Commission will work hard to check the inflow of money by various parties in the state. The commission has vowed to crack down on “undue and needless” propaganda or publicity gimmick in the elections. It has lived up to its promise so far.
However, many political observers are cynical about the restrictions being implemented once the campaigning picks up in the state.