Bhubaneswar: After Telangana, speculations are now rife over dissolution of Odisha Assembly which could pave way for early elections. The statements of ruling-BJD spokesperson Arun Sahoo today added fuel to such speculations in the State.
“From the ongoing buzz in media to discussions everywhere and preparations by the Election Commission of India, the BJD is anticipating that there could be early polls as Centre is also keen on One Nation, One Election,” said Sahoo.
Sahoo further informed that simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were held in Odisha during 2004 and the ruling-BJD is ready for early elections.
Leader of Opposition, Narasingha Mishra on the other hand stated that fearing defeat, the BJP is contemplating to hold early elections in 12 States.
“The BJP at the Centre is keen for early elections as it anticipates defeat in a few States including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. As Odisha government has always stood with the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, we also hope that there could be early elections in Odisha,” said Mishra.
Mishra further stated that there could be elections in Odisha any time after December 1 if Election Commission wants. “We have concrete information that BJP wants to hold early elections in nearly 12 States in the country,” he added.
Amid such speculations, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan again advocated for simultaneous polls in the country.
“Simultaneous election started in Odisha in 2004. The Centre will hold the elections at an appropriate time in 2019 and if Odisha wants it then we have no problems,” said Pradhan.