BJP backs President's assertion on state, Lok Sabha polls

Coming in support of President Pranab Mukherjee's assertion on simultaneous state and Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said the former has echoed the sentiments of Indians, adding that it would facilitate more progress for the nation.

"Our President Pranab Mukherjee has echoed the sentiments of lakhs and crores of Indians. When you have the Lok Sabhas and the Vidhan Sabhas at the same time, not only do you save taxpayers' money but also the entire process of being in election mode and doing away with that phase and then getting into development mode only means progress and more progress for the country," BJP leader Shaina NC told ANI.

President Mukherjee yesterday batted strongly for simultaneous elections to Parliament and assemblies and backed the demonetisation drive, two issues on which the government has focused its attention.

He asked the Election Commission to carry forward the idea of simultaneous polls in consultation with political parties.

In his Republic Day eve address to the nation, the President also asserted that the country's strength lies in is pluralism and diversity and that India has traditionally celebrated the argumentative" Indian; not the "intolerant" Indian.

The President underlined the strengths of Indian democracy but cautioned against disruptions in Parliament and state assemblies.