Issues like simultaneous polls a distraction: TMC

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) today said issues such as holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies at this juncture were a distraction when the economy was in a tailspin in the aftermath of demonetisation and the GST rollout.

"The economy is in a tailspin after the note ban scam and hasty GST (Goods and Services Tax) rollout. Discussions on issues like holding simultaneous polls at this juncture are a distraction," Derek O'Brien, TMC Parliamentary Party leader in the Rajya Sabha, told PTI.

Election Commissioner O P Rawat had earlier this week said the poll panel would be "logistically equipped" by September, 2018 to hold simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.