Govt trying to evolve consensus on simultaneous polls to LS, states: Naidu

He said the proposal, if implemented, will help reduce expenditure

Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s suggestion, the government was trying to evolve a consensus on the proposal of holding simultaneous elections to Parliament and Assemblies, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday.

He said the proposal, if implemented, would help reduce expenditure.

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Naidu also said raising the slogan Bharat Mata ki Jai was not compulsory and has not been imposed on anyone through any government order. But it is an emotive issue and sensibilities of all should be taken into account, he said.

The minister said Parliament’s Budget session, prorogued in end-March, would begin according to the original schedule on April 25.

On simultaneous elections, he said: “People want, and I also personally strongly feel, that Parliament and Assembly elections should be held on the same day. Within that one week, local body elections, including cooperative elections, should be held. All elections should be completed within a fortnight so that there is time and focus and attention on developmental issues....” During an interaction with journalists at the Indian Women’s Press Corps, Naidu said: “Let the debate go on. The Standing Committee on Law and Justice also made a strong recommendation in favour of simultaneous elections. I am for simultaneous elections. The government is also in favour of simultaneous elections.

But, at the same time, you cannot force it without evolving a broad consensus.”

Asked if the government was taking this suggestion forward by convening an all-party meeting soon, he said, “Let us see. It is there on the agenda of the government.”

Naidu said the prime minister had also said this proposal must be taken forward by talking to political parties and “we are trying to evolve a broad consensus. It cannot be done by a simple legislation”.

Asked about his views on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis saying those refusing to chant Bharat Mata ki Jai should not live in the country, Naidu said, “It is his opinion and I am not in agreement with him. Has the government issued any circular saying that those who don’t say Bharat Mata ki Jai should leave the country?

“In a democracy, people say so many things... My line is very clear, these are views not authorised by the government.”