Polls on time, says Singh

NEW DELHI: Prime minister Manmohan Singh, in his interaction with the media while returning from Beijing, sought to put an end to speculation regarding general elections, declaring they will be held on time. A section of the media had reported that there would be elections in February.

It is true that senior Congress leaders have been discussing early polls, especially in the light of the opposition making the functioning of parliament virtually impossible. The current session of parliament has been adjourned till December 10 without much business and it is likely that when the House reassembles in December, the story will repeat itself. Now, Union ministers have begun to wonder whether it would be possible even to conduct important financial business in February.

Another reason for the loud thinking on the possibility of a February poll was to preempt the election commission (EC) from advancing the polls. EC can hold elections anytime within six months before the due date. The decision on the timing of the polls will have to be taken in consultation with UPA allies and so far, that has not been discussed.

On the MNS agitation in Maharashtra, Singh said those targeting people from other states were “doing a great disservice to the country”. He was also saddened by the feeling among minorities that his government was not acting against troublemakers. “If you look at the action we have taken in Malegaon, you will realise that this is not true,” he said.

j_ansari@dnaindia.net