PM Narendra Modi wants debate on joint elections

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for wider public debate on holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

“It appears that some issues that need debate have come to a standstill…take the example of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies … a discussion should happen,” Prime Minister said addressing media persons during Deepawali get together at BJP headquarters on Thursday. He urged media to lent its support to a discussion on this issue.

He suggested that imposition of a frequent model code of conduct and deputation of officers as elections observers not only put a pause on developmental works in poll bound states but also impacted non-poll bound states from where observers are drawn. The Prime Minister, however, said this was not an issue that can be imposed by the government, but also suggested the need for a discussion among larger public and political parties before junking it.

“Koi thop nahin sakta....sabhi rajneetik dalo ko iss charcha per bal dena hoga...agar theek lagta hai toh bal mile-...nahin theek hai toh usko bal mile (This cannot be imposed-…political parties need to apply themselves for a discussion on it ….if it’s found sound, it should be given further weight…if it is not found sound, then than should be given weight),” PM said.