Report on simultaneous LS, Assembly polls by November: Panel

The report by a Parliamentary Standing Committee, looking into the possibility of holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, may be tabled in the Parliament by November, its Chairman said today.
"Though no time frame has been stipulated, still, we are thinking of giving (our) the report by November," Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice Sudarsana Natchiappan said.
The panel held discussions with representatives of political parties here besides others on the issue today.
"On the whole, all political parties including national parties and those in Tamil Nadu are supporting the move to hold simultaneous polls, however, they are suspicious if it can be done practically," the Congress Rajya Sabha member told reporters.

The consultation process on the issue began by February this year, and more deliberations are on the cards with States including Himachal Pradesh and Haryana soon.
Discussion with parties in various states, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu was over, he added.

Stating that there were benefits, including cost saving, in holding polls together for states and the Lok Sabha, he however, said it was a big process.
"All parties should accept, people must agree, we are only trying to evolve a thought process on the issue, it is a big process which may need amendments to laws," he said.

On other issues including setting up commercial courts and proposed amendments linked to the Lok Pal Act, opinions were received from stakeholders like chambers of commerce, and lawyers he said.