Simultaneous Elections – JPC Report on One Nation, One Election Likely to Be Delayed

Simultaneous Elections –  The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the proposed legislation for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections is unlikely to present its report during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Sources familiar with the committee’s work indicated that the panel still has several rounds of consultations to complete before preparing its final recommendations. Although its tenure has been extended until the end of the Monsoon Session, the committee is expected to seek additional time to complete the review process.

Nationwide Consultations Still Underway

The delay comes at a time when there is considerable discussion over the Centre’s legislative priorities for the Monsoon Session, which is expected to begin in the third week of July. According to sources, the committee has not yet finished interacting with stakeholders across the country, making it unlikely that the report will be finalized within the current deadline. As a result, members are expected to request another extension before submitting their findings.

Committee Examining Constitutional Amendments

The 39-member Joint Parliamentary Committee, headed by BJP MP P. P. Chaudhary, is reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These proposals are intended to create a framework for conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. The legislation was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024 before being referred to the joint panel of both Houses for detailed examination.

Government Highlights Benefits of Simultaneous Polls

The Union government has consistently argued that synchronized elections could substantially reduce the cost of conducting frequent polls across the country. It has also maintained that limiting repeated enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct would allow governments to focus more effectively on governance and long-term development initiatives. However, Opposition parties continue to express reservations, arguing that the proposal could affect India’s federal structure and alter the constitutional balance between the Centre and the states.

Delimitation Proposal Linked to Legislative Strategy

Sources suggest that the government is also evaluating the possibility of moving the delimitation proposal alongside the simultaneous elections legislation. Such a strategy is believed to be aimed at building broader political support and strengthening the legislative momentum behind two major constitutional reforms. Political observers view this as part of the government’s long-term agenda for electoral restructuring.

Women’s Reservation Remains a Key Consideration

During the previous Budget Session, an Opposition-backed effort resulted in the defeat of a constitutional amendment that sought to connect the delimitation exercise with the implementation of the women’s reservation legislation. Despite that setback, the government continues to support the delimitation process, considering it an important step toward implementing women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha before the 2029 general election. Achieving this objective would require the National Democratic Alliance to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the House.

Simultaneous Elections Not Expected Before 2034

The Joint Parliamentary Committee is scheduled to visit the Delhi Assembly to continue consultations with stakeholders as part of its nationwide review. So far, the panel has completed visits to ten states, while discussions with several others are still pending. Based on the pace of consultations and the legislative process, the committee’s chairman has indicated that even if the required laws are enacted, simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections are unlikely to become a reality before 2034.