Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik backs synchronised polls

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has extended his support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state legislatures.

“Elections are essential in democracy. We are elected to work for the people. When elections are held throughout the year, it affects development works. Therefore we support the suggestion of the PM for simultaneous elections. This will serve the country better,” said four-time CM in a tweet on Tuesday.

Elections to Odisha’s assembly have been held simultaneously with general elections since the last two decades. Following the PM’s call for a constructive debate on simultaneous elections last year, the department of legal affairs had sought a report from the Law Commission on the subject. The commission seeking stakeholders’ opinion had reached out to Patnaik.


In a letter dated June 14, Law Commission chairman Dr Justice BS Chauhan had sought an interaction with Patnaik or any representative of the Biju Janata Dal on either July 7 or 8 in New Delhi. BJD MP and Supreme Court advocate Pinaki Misra may represent the party at the meeting. Patnaik’s statement on Tuesday reinforces the view that if the Modi government pushes for early general elections, Patnaik will also call for early and simultaneous elections for Odisha.