NEW DELHI: In his strongest pitch yet for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls , PM Narendra Modi called for a public debate on Thursday on the issue as frequent elections cost a lot and the election-time code of conduct disrupts governance. “Leaders from various parties support simultaneous polls in private but do not speak out publicly. Perhaps this is because I took the initiative. It warrants a public debate in which media can play vital role,” said Modi at a post Diwali function at the BJP office here on Thursday.Modi called on the media to debate the various aspects of simultaneous elections, citing constraints that accompany polls held at different times. “The code comes into effect and senior officials are posted for long periods in these states going to polls,” he said.“Such issues should be discussed to seek public opinion … it could go either way, may be people will support or oppose it but there should be discussion which media needs to initiate,” Modi said.“Elections cause several impediments including financial burden … therefore viability of simultaneous polls should be explored,” he added.The PM had, in fact, tasked a group of officials to consider the matter and they had drawn up a possible schedule that would mean assemblies whose terms end either six months prior to the next Lok Sabha or after could go to polls together.This would mean some terms are curtailed or extended by a maximum of six months. The officials reckoned most assembly polls will coincide with Lok Sabha polls over two LS election cycles. It would then be the odd assembly where central rule is imposed, that will fall out of the schedule.Those who do not favour such a plan argue that assembly elections offer a referendum of sorts on political parties and keep the Centre on its toes, preventing the government in office of viewing a five-year term as free of any evaluation.Modi first broached the subject at a dinner hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan when he found some opposition leaders to be receptive to the idea. He then raised the matter in public but the issue has not gained much traction so far.Modi mentioned several public-centric initiatives like “Swacch Bharat cleanliness campaign” and attributed its success to media’s role in creating awareness. “Three states are open defecation free and several districts in the country have turned so. It reflects on going competitiveness among states with a positive agenda,” Modi remarked.BJP chief Amit Shah said Diwali was special this year because people enjoyed the thrill over the ‘surgical strikes’ against the POK-based terror camps. He also counted several successes of the Modi government based on its clear policies and transparent administration.“Bold decision-making coupled with the stature of the PM have lifted the fog over where India was headed and has enabled the country to have the fastest growing economy,” said Shah. He said jawans achieved even greater glory while trying to secure and safeguard the country.