1-poll debate a healthy sign for our democracy: Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it was a “healthy sign for our democracy” that India was in the midst of a debate on holding state assembly elections at the same time as Lok Sabha elections, and said the discussions were a tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who “changed India’s political culture”.

Modi’s comments, in his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address, come in the backdrop of chief election commissioner Om Prakash Rawat, on August 23, ruling out the possibility of holding simultaneous assembly and parliamentary elections anytime soon on the grounds that first a legal framework must be put in place.

“You must have noticed how Atalji took bold steps to bring about fundamental reforms, whether in our election process or about the shortcomings concerning the people’s representatives. Similarly, you can see that presently efforts are afoot and discussions are being held about simultaneously holding the elections for Lok Sabha and for state assemblies,” Modi said in the address.

The issue of holding simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls has divided parties. While Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiromani Akali Dal, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Samajwadi Party, and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi have supported the idea, Congress, the principal Opposition party, the Trinamool Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Telugu Desam Party, the Left parties, and the Janata Dal (Secular) are opposed to the move.

“The government and the Opposition, both are putting forth their viewpoints. This is a good development and a healthy sign for our democracy. I must say that developing healthy traditions for a sound democracy, making constant efforts to strengthen democracy, encouraging open-minded debates would also be appropriate tribute to Atalji,” Modi said.

Atalji took bold steps to bring about fundamental reforms... discussions are being held about simultaneously holding the elections NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister