The Election Commission (EC) of India Wednesday clarified that it would be logistically ready to conduct simultaneously polls by September 2018. The move if implemented will be a game changer for how India votes.
Though the E.C has been completing the move, it has also come under overwhelming opposition from parties, especially the Congress which has raised several concerns and the approval of all stakeholders is necessary to implement the move.
The BJP, however, has been pushing for simultaneous polls to assemblies and Lok Sabha, as it would help in making the process seamless and less expensive. The ruling BJP said this would help in better governance, whereas the Congress party has cited several legacy issues that may become complicated after the move.
Addressing a launch event in Bhopal, Election Commissioner OP Rawat, said that the EC was keen on holding simultaneous state and national polls, following which the election body had informed the government about that funds would be needed for the new lot of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs).
The government had allotted Rs 3,400 crore and 12,000 crore respectively to the election body to facilitate the idea.
Rawat explained that the orders have been placed with two government undertakings and the delivery of the same could be expected by September 2018, following which the EC would be in a position to hold simultaneous polls.
It must be noted that around 40 lakh EVMS and VVPATS would be required to conduct simultaneous polls.
“We will be logistically ready to hold simultaneous polls by September 2018 but it is up to the government to take a decision and make necessary legal amendments for it,” Rawat said.
Post Your Comments