Attack on Democracy

(Published in ToI, 25/5/12) Q. Is the outcome of the Cortalim by-poll an attack on democracy? Comment: Yes! The withdrawal by the Congress candidate in particular amounts to cheating, treachery and injustice to the voters of the constituency. It has deprived others who might have contested the polls and provided an alternative option to the people. In politics no compromises come for free and so it is hard to believe that no monetary transactions have taken place. This representative for the Legislative Assembly has been forcibly imposed on the people. In no way could this be called a free, fair and democratic election. -Soter D'souza