Khattar: Impossible to implement 'One nation, One election' in 2019
What's the story
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar claimed that Haryana assembly elections will be held next year, as per the schedule. Khattar was speaking at a press conference as part of the nation-wide plan to celebrate the saffron party's Tripura win, ending 25yrs of Left rule. He also said that without lack of consensus among political parties, holding simultaneous assembly and parliamentary polls is impossible.
Details
So, when will simultaneous elections be possible as per Khattar?
Khattar asserted that simultaneous LS and assembly elections will be held in 2024 as it also requires a constitutional amendment. He stated that this issue was also discussed during the CMs' meet chaired by PM Narendra Modi. Earlier, Khattar had indicated that Haryana would probably opt for assembly polls along with LS elections. Haryana assembly elections are scheduled for October'19.
Comparison
Khattar also compared Tripura and Haryana on development indicators
Referring to the clear mandate that BJP got in Tripura, the CM then went on to compare development in his state and BJP's latest acquisition. He said in Tripura, minimum wages were Rs. 105 compared to over Rs. 300 in Haryana. He declared that though Tripura is generating power and exporting it to Bangladesh, it doesn't have enough electricity for its own people.
Defense
Khattar also tried to defend his government before Budget session
Wary of the Opposition's attack on his government during Budget session, Khattar gave his defense before-hand. He claimed recruitment to about 28,000 government posts is on hold due to court cases. Despite this, they have provided jobs to over 2L people. Referring to INLD's March 7 rally, Khattar said, "We must move forward on constructing the Sutlej-Yamuna-Link (SYL) Canal rather than politicizing the issue."
Attack
Is Khattar scared of the Opposition's onslaught?
During the 12-day long session, the Congress and INLD led opposition plans to corner Khattar on issues such as unemployment, law and order and Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, accusing it of not fulfilling 2014 poll promises. Anticipating this, Khattar said they lived up to the credentials of a transparent, open and non-nepotistic governance. He said he even brought in investment worth Rs. 45,000cr.
Congress
Khattar's prediction: Congress will face a rout in Karnataka
Khattar declared that arch-rival Congress will be shamefully defeated in Karnataka. He said they have been clueless about giving a distinct policy for country's development. He proudly announced that BJP provided this and has been appreciated. He affirmed with northeast polls BJP "expanded its reach" but Congress touched the "lowest ebb." He said, "No party gained as much influence as BJP in last 70yrs."
Do you know?
"State government will soon enact stringent law to protect cows"
Khattar obviously didn't leave out cow protection. He stated they have already began tagging cows in gaushalas. Now, domestic cattle will also be tagged so that they aren't abandoned. "Those found abandoning their cattle would have to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000," he said.