Now, TDP joins chorus against simultaneous polls

The chorus against simultaneous polls is growing with the TDP now voicing its opposition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal.

The TDP's stand comes at a time the Law Commission has called a meeting of political parties to discuss the issue.

Parties like the Congress, CPM, AIMIM and the AIADMK have already expressed their reservations about the proposal. Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister and TDP Polit Bureau member Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on Friday said the proposal for simultaneous polls is a move to weaken regional parties.

"Simultaneous polls is a move to weaken regional leaders. Many regional parties leaders are strong in their respective states. No national party is in a position to form the government at the Centre on its own. The support of regional parties has become mandatory for the formation of government at the centre. The strengthening of regional parties in respective states has become a big obstacle for national parties," he said.

He said the regional parties are not supporting simultaneous polls to protect democracy and federal structure.

"Earlier it was GST and the Terms of Reference of 15th Finance Commission. Now, it is simultaneous polls, all these are to increase the dominance of national parties. All these moves are only to damage regional parties," he added.

Claiming that the BJP has become a "political whale", he said its attitude is like a "big fish living by eating out small fishes".