Govt looks to hold state, LS polls simultaneously

NEW DELHI: The Union law ministry will examine the feasibility of conducting assembly and Lok Sabha polls simultaneously after the Election Commission described

NEW DELHI: The Union law ministry will examine the feasibility of conducting assembly and Lok Sabha polls simultaneously after the Election Commission described the idea as “not insurmountable”.

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The EC had written to the law ministry two months ago, saying that simultaneous elections can be explored if there is a political consensus on the issue. The ministry has formed a panel to give a report on how to flesh out the details of the EC’s proposal.

The EC has flagged that in case of simultaneous elections, financial implications of more than Rs 9,000 crore — for only the voting apparatus — will have to be considered. It has also referred to the need for a constitutional amendment to make it possible to synchronise elections.

The commission has said it would need over Rs 9,284.15 crore for procuring the additional EVMs and VVPAT systems if Lok Sabha and state assembly elections are held together. It has also highlighted the need for additional security, pointing out how holding elections together would see the number of candidates and canvassing areas go up.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also batted for holding elections simultaneously. In a TV interview, he had said electoral reforms are also required to curb black money.

“It is for the Election Commission to initiate a discussion on electoral reforms... the body is respected by all parties and it should take the lead in this,” the PM said.

The BJP, which discussed the issue in its National Executive in March this year, had earlier said in its 2014 election manifesto that it intends to “evolve a method of holding assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously, through consultation with other parties”.

Observers say synchronised polls will reduce election expenses for both political parties and government.

The PM also underlined that frequent elections hinder development work as politicians and governments spent more time in electioneering.

The issue was also raised at an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan before the last budget session of Parliament.

“What needs to be examined is the constitutional amendment that will allow this move. At present, President’s rule can be imposed only for a year, in case of Emergency for three,” said an official.

Submissions of the EC and the law ministry notwithstanding, the next big step for the Centre however is getting political parties at the national and regional levels on board.

Political parties are divided on the issue, with even those not opposed to the idea, extending their support with caveats.

Most political parties HT spoke to said the proposal needs wider consultation before being rolled out.

Parties like the DMK, CPI and the SAD have questioned the recourse if a particular state government is dismissed, pointing out that President’s rule cannot be imposed for prolonged periods.