PANCHAYAT ELECTIONS 2008 IN PUNJAB: WHAT WENT WRONG?

The anomalies revealed in the conduct of the Panchayat elections, 2008 in Punjab underlines the critical need to undertake measures for better institutionalisation of the State Election Commission as an autonomous body and also having a re-look at the procedural aspects. Punjab dismal experience similar to that of some other states like West Bengal provides the pertinent lessons for doing away what has increasingly become two-track electoral democracy in India despite the implementation of the 73rd and the 74th constitutional amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]