BJP ally in Goa opposes simultaneous polls
New Delhi, July 7 : The Goa Forward Party (GFP), a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, on Saturday opposed the idea of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies, saying the proposal is against regional sentiments.
"We have expressed our opposition to it. Because it goes against federalism. It would affect the federal structure of the country.
"The entire proposal is impractical. It won't work," GFP President Vijai Sardesai told reporters after attending a meeting convened by the Law Commission over its proposal of simultaneous polls.
He said that if the proposal was implemented, the regional issues would go to the back burner.
"The idea is good but will dilute issues of regional nature. If there is simultaneous polls, regional parties like us and the issues they spouse... Which is why we are opposing it. It is against regional sentiment," the Town and Country Planning and Agriculture Minister said here.
The Law Commission has invited all the national and recognised state political parties to hold consultations on Saturday and Sunday on the practicality of conducting simultaneous polls.
The Commission has prepared a draft paper on "Simultaneous Elections - Constitutional and Legal Perspectives" and has sought opinions of "all stakeholders" including political parties, constitutional experts, bureaucrats, academia and others on the paper before finalising its report and sending it to the government.
The Election Commission has repeatedly said it was capable of holding simultaneous elections provided the legal framework and logistics were in place.
Most of the political parties have, however, not warmed up to the idea citing various reasons besides arguing that it would not be good for democracy.
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CID to probe realtor murder case, says Karnataka Home Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that he has directed the CID to probe the alleged kidnapping and killing of a real estate businessman from Anekal, whose body was found in neighbouring Tamil Nadu on March 9.
The minister was responding to a question raised by Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar in the Legislative Assembly during zero hour.
"On the issue raised by the MLA, the police have already taken action. One person has been arrested, and the search is on for others. Based on the initial reports we have got, I have instructed that the case be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department. The investigation will be done by them," Parameshwara said.
Demanding justice for the deceased's family, Eshwar earlier urged the home minister to hand over the case to the CID. "One person has been arrested and two suspects are still at large. They should be arrested at the earliest," he said.
Gopal alias Gopi was allegedly abducted on Sunday by a gang that intercepted his car near Karpur Gate. The assailants allegedly rammed his car from the rear and forcibly took him away in another car.
He was reportedly taken to a forest area near Denkanikottai in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu, and was attacked by sharp weapons leading to death, police said, adding that the body was found on Monday.
Gopal's family members and relatives had staged a protest outside the Anekal police station, demanding the immediate arrest of all those behind the incident.
The police have arrested Mohan Babu, alleged to be the mastermind behind the crime, even as efforts are being made to nab his two associates who kidnapped Gopal. Business disputes and rivalry are said to be the reasons behind the killing.
