CPI(M) opposes simultaneous elections

Communist Party of India (Marxist) is totally opposed to any artificial attempt to introduce simultaneous elections, the party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has informed the Law Commission.

The present Law Commission’s term expires in August. The Commission had published a paper in support of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies. Towards the fag end of its term, the Law Commission in June sought the views of political parties, possibly because the Modi Government is in a hurry to push through constitutional amendments necessary to make it happen.

Describing the move as inherently anti-democratic and against the principles of federalism, CPI(M) raised the following objections:

• The Constitution does not provide for a ‘ fixity of tenure’ for the Lok Sabha or for state legislatures. Therefore, any attempt to prolong the life of the Lok Sabha or legislature will be unconstitutional and undemocratic.
• NITI Ayog’s recommendation for an amendment to enable the President to carry out the administration of the country on the aid and advice of a council of ministers to be appointed by him is outrageous and an attempt to bringing Presidency through the backdoor.
• The proposal to extend the life of some of the assemblies and shorten the tenure of some in order to hold simultaneous elections are an assault on the rights of the states.
• The proposal to enable Governors to run the states in case the assemblies are dissolved before time, would mean central rule and will be against principles of federalism and the Constitution.