Andhra CM Naidu says no 'one nation, one poll' before 2029

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that the 'one nation, one poll' concept cannot be implemented before 2029.

Andhra CM Naidu rules out 'one nation, one poll' before 2029

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday ruled out the possibility of holding 'one nation, one poll' before 2029.

Addressing a press conference here, Naidu said that the Centre should first focus on conducting simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies that are due in 2024.

"The Centre should first conduct simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies that are due in 2024. After gaining experience in conducting the polls together, we can think about 'one nation, one poll'," he said.

The Chief Minister said that he had earlier written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue and also discussed it with him during a meeting of the NITI Aayog governing council.

"The Prime Minister had also agreed to the proposal in principle. However, some political parties are opposing the move. We will have to convince them and move forward," he added.

Naidu also said that the state government was ready to conduct the local body elections in March.

"We have already completed the delimitation of wards and the final notification will be issued soon. The state government is also planning to conduct the gram panchayat elections in May," he said.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was also planning to introduce a new revenue bill in the upcoming budget session of the state Assembly.

"The new bill will simplify the revenue laws and make them more transparent. It will also help in resolving land disputes quickly," he added.