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Naveen Patnaik supports simultaneous polls

Odisha CM said frequent elections do hamper developmental work and simultaneous elections will be good for governance and the people at large

Naveen Patnaik supports simultaneous polls

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. (Photo: IANS)

Unlike some of the other non-BJP political parties, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s views of having simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who is widely regarded to be “soft” towards the BJP,  said: “We support the Prime Minister’s appeal for simultaneous elections. Simultaneous elections will be beneficial to the people. Having elections throughout the year impedes development.”

He was replying to a question on the letter from the Law Commission of India seeking views of the parties on holding of simultaneous elections.

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Chairman Law Commission of India Dr Justice BS Chauhan in his letter stated that any major reform must be done only after consultations with all stake-holders.

The Commission has sought views by 7 July at a meeting in New Delhi.

The Odisha CM said frequent elections do hamper developmental work and simultaneous elections will be good for governance and the people at large.

He, however, did not react to those who have contrary views, including the efficacy of EVMs in nationwide simultaneous polls.

Opponents of the BJD were quick to note that the tacit understanding between the BJD and BJP is out in the open.  On all major issues be it demonetisation, GST or various bills in the Parliament, the BJD has sided with the BJP while claiming to maintain equi distance from the BJP and the Congress.

The fact, however, is that the BJD had opted for simultaneous elections in 2004 when CM Naveen Patnaik decided to cut short his term by one year for elections. He was in the NDA and in alliance with the BJP at that point in time.

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