Most parties oppose simultaneous polls

NEW DELHI: Most political parties, including those friendly with the BJP, told the Law Commission on Saturday that they are opposed to the proposal of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies saying that it was against the constitution and would dilute regional interests.

Parties that opposed the proposal included Trinamool Congress and CPI and IUML. AIADMK, which is perceived to be close to the BJP, and BJP ally, Goa Forward Party (GFP), opposed it.

AIADMK said it was opposed to holding simultaneous elections in 2019 but can consider the proposal in 2024 if there is a consensus on the issue. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), a part of Bjpled National Democratic Alliance, supported the proposal, which has been strongly articulated many times by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Law Commission had written to recognised national and state parties to participate in consultation on simultaneous polls being held by it on July 7 and 8.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, who put forward party’s views before the Law Commission, later said that Modi’s concept of simultaneous elections in the country is “impractical and unconstitutional.”

AIADMK leader M Thambidurai told reporters that it was not possible to hold simultaneous elections in 2019.

“It is not possible in 2019 because people of states like Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal, Tamil Nadu and others have voted a government for five years. Let these assemblies complete their full term,” he said.

GFP President Vijai Sardesai said it had expressed its opposition to the proposal because it goes against federalism.

“It would affect the federal structure of the country. The entire proposal is impractical. It won’t work,” Sardesai said.