The Chief Election Commissioner O. P. Rawat stated there was no chance of holding elections in the Lok Sabha and the State at the same time. The CEC explained this was not possible without a legal framework in place. Mr. Rawat said, “Koi chance nahi (no chance at all)” when asked if it was feasible to hold parallel polls.
This clarification comes after the BJP Chief Amit Shah making a strong pitch for parallel polls. Mr. Shah sent a 8 page long letter to the Law Commission Chairman B. S. Chouhan explaining why simulatous polling was a good idea.
During an interview, Mr. Rawat stated the Election Commission is equipped to conduct polls in 8 states simultaneously but not more. The CEC explained, “We need about 14 lakh (VVPAT) machines for Lok Sabha (elections) plus five states, whereas we have ordered 17.4 lakh (VVPAT) machines. There will be a cushion of 2.4 lakh units, which is enough to cover three large states. For instance, Madhya Pradesh needs 80,000 VVPATs. Any (three) other state(s) with such requirement can (also) be catered to (in 2019.)”
The Lok Sabha elections are expected to be held between April and May 2019. The Assembly polls in a few northern states are scheduled for later this year.
