Odisha CM backs PM's call for simultaneous polls in country
Bhubaneswar, June 26: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for holding simultaneous parliamentary and assembly elections in the country.
"Elections are essential in democracy. We are elected to work for the people. When elections are held throughout the year, it affects the development works. Therefore, we support the suggestion of the Prime Minister for simultaneous elections. This will serve the country well," said the Chief Minister.
The Prime Minister had urged all parties to consider this suggestion of holding simultaneous polls by rising above political considerations.
Modi cited various reasons, including huge expenditure, utilisation of government staff and disruption of education, in the conduct of separate polls.
Odisha will face both general and assembly polls in 2019.
Law Commission Chairman Justice B.S. Chauhan has invited Patnaik, who is also President of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), to attend a meeting on July 7-8 in Delhi to share valuable thoughts and suggestions on holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the country.
"I will request you to kindly participate in the interaction and share your valuable thoughts and suggestions, which could enable us in weighing the pros and cons of the subject," said Chauhan.
Sources said BJD MP Pinaki Mishra will attend the meeting.
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CM Omar Abdullah rushes to Jammu after Pakistan's failed drone attacks
Jammu (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah left for Jammu on early Friday to take stock of the situation following last night's failed drone attack by Pakistan.
India on Thursday night neutralised Pakistan military's attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones as tensions soared between the two countries amid fears of a wider military conflict.
"Driving to Jammu now to take stock of the situation after last night's failed Pakistani drone attack directed at Jammu city and other parts of the division," Abdullah said in a post on X.
He also said the government will review the decision to shut schools on Monday.
The situation at the time will determine if the closure is extended and, if so, for how long, the chief minister said.
Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday ordered the closure of schools for the next two days in view of the prevailing situation.
Sirens and numerous explosions were reported in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla and Kupwara and several other places on Thursday night.
After the Indian military foiled the Pakistani attempts, the defence ministry said India remains "fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people".
