NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet again placed the focus on his call for simultaneous polls saying the political debate on the issue was a healthy sign for democracy.

In his ' Mann Ki Baat ' radio address on Sunday, Modi reiterated significance of simultaneous polls and said, "You can see that presently efforts are afoot and discussions are being held about simultaneously holding the elections for Lok Sabha and for state assemblies. The government and the opposition — both are putting forth their view points. This is a good development and a healthy sign for our democracy."

Modi said the discussion would further strengthen democratic traditions. "I must say that developing healthy traditions for a sound democracy, making constant efforts to strengthen democracy, encouraging open-minded debates would also be appropriate tribute to Atalji."

Modi said former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee has similarly initiated several changes such as altering the timing of presenting the budget, framing the Indian Flag Code which provided a chance to more and more people to unfurl the national flag. "You must have noticed how Atalji took bold steps to bring about fundamental reforms, whether in our election process or about the shortcomings concerning the people's representatives," Modi said.

The PM said for many years, the political culture of forming a very large cabinet was being misused to constitute jumbo cabinets. "Atalji changed it. This effort of his resulted in saving of money as well as of resources. This also helped in improving efficiency. It could only be a visionary like Atalji who brought in this transformation and as a result of this, healthy traditions blossomed in our polity," he added.

Modi's remarks came in the wake of reports that BJP was considering the possibility of assembly polls in 11 states along with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, which was promptly disowned by the party. Party president Amit Shah , in his recent letter to the Law Commission, had strongly supported simultaneous polls for which he had suggested consensus and a nation-wise debate.

BJP and its NDA partner Shiromani Akali Dal, as well as AIADMK, SP and TRS have supported the proposal while Congress, Trinamool Congress, AAP, DMK, TDP, JD (S) and Left parties have opposed it.

Chief election commissioner O P Rawat recently said the prospects of holding simultaneous polls in 2019 were dim without a legal framework, and also that the poll panel would need nearly 24 lakh EVMs, double the number required to hold just the parliamentary polls.

Modi also referred to the Kerala floods and said loss of lives could not be compensated but assured the grief-stricken families that the entire nation stood by them. "I earnestly pray for those injured in this natural disaster to get well soon. I firmly believe that the sheer grit and courage of the people of the state will see Kerala rise again," he added.

