Kovind for simultaneous elections, says terror to end

New Delhi: Appealing for simultaneous parliamentary and Assembly elections, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday outlined the new Modi government’s roadmap, saying it was determined to crush terrorism and Maoism.
Addressing a joint session of Parliament, Kovind also said that India was on its way to becoming the world’s fifth largest economy in terms of GDP and said the government’s aim was to make women equal stakeholders in economic development.
Making a strong case for ‘one nation, one election’ concept, the President said simultaneous elections were the need of the hour to accelerate development.
“With such a system in place, all political parties… will be able to better utilize their energy towards development and public welfare.
“Therefore, I urge all MPs to seriously ponder over this development-oriented proposal of ‘one nation – simultaneous elections’.” The President’s remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over an all-party meeting here to pitch for simultaneous parliamentary and state Assembly elections — an issue that has divided political parties.