Bhubaneswar, May 26, 2018: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi on holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Modi has been pitching for conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the state Assemblies.
Patnaik said having elections throughout the year disturbs the working process for the people.
“Having elections throughout the year disturbs the working process for the people. Therefore we support the Prime Minister’s appeal for simultaneous elections. This will serve the country well,” said Patnaik to newsmen at the State Secretariat here.
Meanwhile, Law Commission Chairman Dr Justice BS Chauhan has written to Patnaik, who happens to be the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, inviting him to a meeting to be held in New Delhi either on July 7 or 8 to “share valuable thoughts and suggestions” on holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the country.
Justice Chauhan has asked Patnaik to nominate representative from his party in case of he is not able to attend.
“The Law Commission would like to interact with your party on Saturday or Sunday (July 7 or July 8), as it convenient to you. In order to
facilitate the discussions, if you think is appropriate, you may send your thoughts to us, latest by June 30,” the letter read.
facilitate the discussions, if you think is appropriate, you may send your thoughts to us, latest by June 30,” the letter read.
However, simultaneous elections have worked for the ruling BJD in the State.
Patnaik-led BJD, which is in power in Odisha since 2000, had advanced the Assembly polls slated for 2005 and held it along with Lok Sabha
election in 2004. At that time, while BJP led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee failed to retain its power at the Centre, BJD here managed to get clean sweep in the State.
election in 2004. At that time, while BJP led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee failed to retain its power at the Centre, BJD here managed to get clean sweep in the State.
However, the current political scenario and particularly the rise of BJP in the State may put some threat to the 18-year old ruling dispensation.
The next Assembly elections are due in 2019. Pm Modi-led NDA is contemplating to hold early polls along with a few State elections in November-December 2018. States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Chhattisgarh are going to polls in November-December 2018.
