He's a crucial cog in the wheel of free & fair polls

BANGALORE: Cubbon Park has been a pleasant surprise for AK Agarwal. The bureaucrat, who always longed to visit Bangalore, is soaking in all that is good with the city, thanks to the general elections.
Between overseeing free and fair conduct of elections, the principal secretary with the Rajasthan government has not lost the opportunity to enjoy an Ugadi feast at Halli Mane in Malleswaram.
Deputed as the general observer for Bangalore North parliamentary constituency, he says: "I had never heard about Cubbon Park. But ever since I came to Bangalore, I am going for morning walks in the park. I am so well versed with the park now, that I can get out of any direction of the park and reach my hotel."
Currently posted in the small scale industries department, Agarwal has handled over 12 elections during his 27-year-old career as a bureaucrat.
Heading to a training camp of polling officers and staff, the six-time observer explains what goes into electioneering and his role as observer. "One can be a good administrator but handling elections is a different experience altogether. If I assess citizens and their political enthusiasm, my questions may lead them to something which could change their decision," he says.
Observers, polling officers and electronic voting machines are all chosen randomly to make it a transparent, fair and foolproof system. The observer is toothless as his advice to the district election authorities are not binding. But his reports are crucial when it comes to whether a particular constituency needs a repoll.
Chronicling the event:
An observer files a series of reports to the commission from the time of taking charge till the declaration of result.
Inspecting the training process at BEL high school where 1,600 polling staff is in attendance, Agarwal admits lunch is more important than training. "No one works willingly for elections. Over 50,000 state government employees have been drawn to work for elections in Bangalore city. They are trying to evade duty, citing everything from daughter's wedding to son's admission. They need to be motivated if elections have to be to be free and fair," he says.
On the day of voting, the observer is expected to visit as many polling stations as he can, particularly the sensitive and critical ones. With 2,400 booths in Bangalore North constituency, Agarwal has his task cut out. In Bangalore since March 26, he plans to go home after elections and return in time for the counting of votes on May 16. "We have to ensure that the losers too are convinced and satisfied about the process," he sums it up.