SP dares BJP to hold UP-assembly, LS-polls together in 2019
What's the story
Buoyed by opposition victory in key Lok Sabha by-polls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today dared the BJP government at the Center to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the state in 2019. "We have no problem if the voters' list is linked with Aadhaar number. We have no problems with 'one nation, one election'," the 44-year-old leader said.
BJP defeated
Akhilesh's statement came after BJP's defeat in recent by-polls
Yadav virtually threw down the gauntlet at the BJP after the saffron party's defeat in the prestigious Lok Sabha by-elections to Gorakhpur and Phulpur and its recent drubbing in Kairana Assembly by-poll. While Gorakhpur is the home turf of CM Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was held by his Deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya. Even Kairana was held by a BJP MP, whose death necessitated the by-poll.
'One nation, one election'
Panel recommended simultaneous polls to LS and state assemblies
A Uttar Pradesh panel has recommended simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, echoing a suggestion by the Law Commission of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own view on the issue. Akhilesh, however, rued, "No suggestion was taken from us on this issue." UP Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh headed the seven-member committee constituted by CM Yogi Adityanath.
Feasible practice
One nation, one election is possible: Panel head
"UP is the first state to push PM's idea of holding all elections up to panchayat together. We have examined it and it's possible," UP Health Minister said after handing over the report titled, "One nation, one election & common electoral rolls." Adityanath later said, "To keep the electoral clean, Aadhaar numbers should be linked with names of voters to eliminate chances of duplication."
Strong message
BJP's defeat in recent polls is a strong message: Yadav
Akhilesh earlier welcomed the newly elected Kairana MP, Tabassum Hasan (RLD), and SP MLA from Noorpur, Naeemul Hasan, in the party headquarters. "Their victory is a strong message against the BJP, which is doing nothing for the welfare of the people," he said. The SP chief said the Lok Sabha 2019 elections will be fought on the basis of issues.
Seat sharing
No decision on seat sharing between SP, BSP: Yadav
Asked about an alliance, Yadav said, "If they (BJP) have a formula (for winning elections), we too have a formula to checkmate them." Akhilesh said there was no decision on seat sharing between his party and BSP for 2019 Lok Sabha elections and that it would be discussed at an "appropriate time". Reportedly, Mayawati is demanding 40 out of the total 80 seats.
Contesting polls
SP will contest assembly polls in MP, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand
About Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand assembly polls, Akhilesh said the SP will contest in those states. "If alliance works out, it's fine. Otherwise, our 'cycle' (SP's election-symbol) will run in those states also. I'm practicing cycling. If a need arises, I can cycle for 50-60 km," he said in a lighter vein. Akhilesh said GST and demonetization have "ruined" traders and affected economy.