One Nation, One Election: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Backs PM Modi's Bid to Hold Simultaneous Lok Sabha & Assembly Polls

Bhubaneswar, June 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bid to build consensus on holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections drew support from an unexpected quarter. Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha and president of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has backed the PM's initiative.

Patnaik said the recurring elections for Parliament, Assembly and civic bodies, along with the legislative and parliamentary bypolls, cause an hindrance to the governance in the state, as well as the Centre. To avoid the tiring electioneering process, the four-time CM said simultaneous polls will be a viable option.

"Elections are essential in a democracy. We are elected to work for the people but having elections throughout the year disturbs the working process for the people. Therefore, we support PM's appeal for simultaneous elections," Patnaik added.

While addressing a joint session of the Parliament ahead of the Budget Session, Modi had pitched for holding simultaneous elections in states along with the Centre in order to ensure smooth functioning of the government.

The move, however, will be enacted only after consensus is reached by all political parties and incumbent state governments, he said.

The Law Ministry, in April, had tasked the Election Commission to submit a report suggesting the feasible models for conducting simultaneous parliamentary and assembly polls.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2018 07:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).