MPs discuss the need to bridge political divide

NEW DELHI, December 17, 2016. In the session on India First: Bridging the Political Divide at FICCI’s 89th AGM today, Mr Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV, said that politicians promote political divide to appeal to voters. He agreed that there could be divides in ideologies and ideas but when it comes to issues such as terrorism, women’s safety and empowerment, labour reforms, land reforms, population control, unified elections, ease of doing business, all political parties should stand together. Mr Sharma emphasized that the first issue where all political parties should have consensus is electoral reforms – all elections should be conducted together. He also urged that if FICCI can lead this effort. In the interactions with MPs, Mr. Dinesh Trivedi, MP, All India Trinamool Congress, said that ‘India First’ is more of branding. It is a great Idea that already exists. He suggested that the Presiding Officer is Parliament has an important role to play. He referred to behind the scene discussions in Speakers room where consensus is achieved. Mr.Pinaki Misra, MP, Biju Janata Dal, Lok Sabha said that many countries in the west conduct local and national elections together. conducts state elections with elections to the Lok Sabha. Mr. Naveen Patnaik is the one Chief Minister in India who sacrificed one year of office to coincide local elections with the general elections. While answering how much the government progressed in achieving consensus in conducting elections, Mr. Bhupender Yadav, MP, Bharatiya , said that the Parliament Standing Committee which has the chairman from the Congress came up with a report in 2015 on such consensus. The UK did it in 2011. India can do it. The report said that if 19 states compromise and adjust for 6 months, in two and half years most of the state elections will coincide with general elections. Mr. Gaurav Gogoi, , Lok Sabha, stated that for every Prime Minister since independence India always came first. He added that India needs more conducive environment in the Parliament. India needs accountability not only in media or civil society but also inside Parliament. Ms Sushmita Dev, MP, Indian National Congress, Lok Sabha stated that even opposition feels bad and incurs losses as much as the Government does when Parliament doesn’t function. She said that all MPs are answerable to their constituency and want to show their contribution in Parliament. Overall the Hon'ble MPs agreed that all must work together for progress and growth of the nation.

FICCI MEDIA DIVISION