The Government is working on the suggestion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on holding simultaneous elections to Parliament, State Assemblies and local bodies.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said the Government is moving towards evolving a broad consensus on the proposal and if implemented, it will help reduce expenditure and diversion of energies.
“The public is in favour of this and so are political leaders but it can be done only by broad consensus among political parties,” he said during an interaction with journalist at the Indian Women’s Press Corps.
“People want and I also personally strongly feel that Parliament and Assembly elections should be held on the same day. Within that one week, local body elections including cooperative elections should be held. All elections should be completed within a fortnight so that there is time and focus and attention on developmental issues.
“let the debate go on. The Standing Committee on law and Justice also made a strong recommendation in favour of the simultaneous elections. I am for simultaneous elections. The government also is in favour of simultaneous election. But at the same time, you cannot force it without evolving a broad consensus,” Naidu said.
The Cabinet Minister also made it clear that ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogan is not compulsory and has not been imposed on anyone through any government order, but it is an emotive issue and sensibilities of all should be taken care.
Asked about his views on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogan, Naidu said, “It is his opinion and I am not in agreement with him.” “Has the Government issued any circular saying that those who don’t say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ should leave the countryIJ” he asked.