Pranab bats for simultaneous LS, Assembly polls

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukjherjee today batted for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, saying a constructive debate should take place on the proposal in the light of the fact that frequent elections put severe burden on the country’s resources. In his address to the Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament at the start of the Budget session, the President also proposed funding of polls to check corruption. 'Frequent elections put hold on development programmes, disrupt normal public life, and impact essential services and burden human resource with prolonged periods of election duty,' the President pointed out.

He suggested to the Election Commission that it could take decision on the issue in consultation with political parties and said the government would welcome any such decision. With the previous session turning out to be a washout due to the Opposition and Government standoff on demonetisation and other issues, Mr Mukherjee also underlined that debate, discussion and giving room to others’ point of view were the only way forward for a 'resurgent India'. 'The vision of Mahatama Gandhi and other founding fathers lays down a great path for resurgent India.

This path is of debate, discussion, accommodation and understanding. It is the rich tradition of Samvad, Samanvay and Samvedna that will continue to guide the spirit of our nation building,' he said. He emphasised that it is the spirit of ‘Sab ka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ that will bring equality and dignity to all as promised in the Constitution. The President also spoke of the demonetisation and other steps taken by his government to check black money, corruption, fake currency and terror financing. He also lauded the valour of Defence forces for the surgical strikes on terrorists launch pads along the Line of Control in a befitting reply to repeated incursions in the India territory.

The President also expressed government’s resolve to combat terrorism. He also dwelt on the various schemes and steps taken by the government for the welfare of the poor and the common man and their financial inclusions. (UNI)