Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Electoral fraud exposed” (April 11). The Election Commission of India needs to be commended for countermanding the RK Nagar by-poll for rampant violations, thereby demonstrating that the commission can bare its fangs when necessary.
However, for far too long, the commission has been perceived as a toothless tiger and political parties, as well as leaders, have pushed their luck and got away with thumbing their nose at the election code. Unless the perception and fear of a sure, swift and severe reprisal from the commission takes root in the political parties, and their candidates, they will continue to cock a snook at the election code and the commission. The commission should not be perceived as indulgent, but as inflexible and uncompromising to such offences.