This is the second time this year that the Law Commission called parties for a discussion on the issue
Samajwadi Party (SP) from the Opposition camp has surprisingly backed the Central government's proposal of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and all state legislatures, but AIADMK, seen close to ruling alliance NDA, has developed reservations.
Speaking to reporters after its submission to the Law Commission that held weekend deliberations on the issue, SP said it favours simultaneous polls if they start from 2019. Its rival-turned-ally, BSP, opposed the move.
Tamil Nadu's ruling party AIADMK called the idea unfeasible after supporting it initially. "People have elected us for a term of five years. Reducing it for simultaneous polls will not be acceptable," party leader M Thambi Durai.
This is the second time this year that the Law Commission called parties for a discussion on the issue. Ruling BJP, which has floated the move, and main Opposition Congress, dismissive of it, stayed away.
BJP has sought more time to present its views. It has been told to do so by July 31, sources said. Congress wants to bring in all Opposition voices together. But SP's stand may be a setback for it.
BJD and fence-sitter TRS also backed the idea.
NDA ally and Bihar's ruling party JD(U) said at its national executive meeting here on Sunday that there was no respite from constant electioneering throughout the year that adversely impacts administrative and developmental activities.
Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party said the idea would "destroy" parliamentary democracy.
Tamil Nadu's Opposition party DMK opposed it and said procurement of EVMs alone would cost Rs 10,000 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged political parties to create an environment for simultaneous polls, the latest in his efforts towards "One Nation-One Election" as the next big reform.
The idea is to save massive spends and give some breathing space to political parties and administrative machineries, consumed through the year by a bevy of elections, including those to legislatures and local bodies.
Also, for every such poll, the Election Commission (EC) of India imposes the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that bars governments from announcing public schemes, to enable a level-playing field for all parties, but it also disrupts the pace of development and governance.
The EC believes simultaneous elections will cost Rs 4,500 crore. There will not be frequent MCC impositions as well.
It would require large-scale purchase of EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. It expects to need Rs 9,284.15 crore to procure EVMs and VVPATs for simultaneous elections. The machines would also be need to be replaced every fifteen years, which would again entail expenditure.
Political consensus may also be a herculean task for both the Modi government and the EC.
National parties TMC and CPI attended the consultations and opposed the concept, sources said. All India United Democratic Front and Goa Forward Party also expressed similar views.
NDA ally SAD supported the concept, saying it would reduce expenditure and MCC period, sources said.
Last week, CPM said the idea was inherently anti-democratic and negates the principles of federalism, a fundamental feature of the Constitution.
The panel had written to all recognised political parties on June 14, seeking their views on the issue.
The Law Commission has recommended holding the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls simultaneously but in two phases, beginning 2019.
The second phase of simultaneous polls can take place in 2024, it said, also proposing to amend the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act to shorten or extend the terms of state legislative Assemblies to effect the move.
LAW PANEL MOVE
THE PROPOSAL
In two phases, beginning 2019. 2nd phase can take place in 2024. Law to shorten or extend terms of state legislatures to effect the move.
BENEFITS
- Will save massive spends, relieve parties & administration.
- Will cut duration of Model Code of Conduct that bars govts from announcing public schemes.
THE CHALLENGES
Political consensus, change in law to deal with dissolution of legislatures.
THE COST
- EC believes the exercise will cost R 4.5K cr
- It needs R9KCr for EVMs, VVPATs.
THOSE WHO SAY AYE
- SP from Oppn camp favours it from 2019.
- Fence-sitter TRS also backs the idea.
- NDA ally SAD says it will reduce expenditure.
- NDA ally JD(U) says respite needed from constant electioneering.
- BPF is in support of the proposal.
- BJD says frequent polls disrupt development works.
THOSE WHO DON’T
- AIADMK, after initial support, says it is unfeasible.
- TMC, CPI attend consultations, oppose the idea.
- AIUDF, GFP say move will end regional parties.
- AAP says it will turn India into managed democracy.
- BSP, CPM have called it inherently anti-democratic.
- DMK says no chances of its being legislated.
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