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ShareVarious public parks in the underdeveloped state have been used for Mayawati's white elephant programmein order to 'influence the electorate during future elections', the lawyers pointed out.
These arguments assume significance in view of the poll panel's April 1 notification that "the photographs and images of politicians who have deep influence on electors and many of whom may even be contesting elections, should not be displayed in government buildings and premises as this would disturb the level playing field vis-à-vis the politicians of other parties".
The commission alone is empowered to supervise and conduct free and fair elections, without which parliamentary democracy can never be successful. The BSP returned to power in UP and lost in the Lok Sabha elections because of fair polls.
Needless to say, the 'elephant' that has been installed on pillars and pedestrals at all possible public places in UP is a uplifting sight for the BSP leader, but it can't be so for everyone, particularly, her opponents -- the Samajwadi Party, the Congress and the BJP.
Commissioner Sampat has promised an inquiry into the allegations. At some point, these accusations might fuel protests calling for free and fair elections.
If the commission doesn't act now, it would encourage other parties in other states to litter public places with statues of their leaders and their symbols. This wouldn't help anybody least of all the poor marginalised people whom Mayawati represents.
