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JPC on 'One Nation, One Election' to Meet March 9 with Key Leaders

The Joint Parliamentary Committee examining bills related to 'One Nation, One Election' will meet on March 9. Chaired by BJP MP PP Choudhary, the committee will interact with senior leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad and M Veerappa Moily. The meeting continues discussions on the constitutional validity of synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. Former Chief Justice BR Gavai has reportedly opined that the amendment is within Parliament's competence and does not violate the Constitution's basic structure.

Key Points: JPC Meets March 9 on One Nation One Election Bill

  • JPC meeting on March 9
  • Examines simultaneous elections bill
  • Constitutional validity debated
  • Former CJI BR Gavai cited
2 min read

JPC on 'One Nation, One Election' to meet on March 9 in Parliament

Joint Parliamentary Committee to discuss simultaneous polls bill with leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad. Key constitutional validity debate continues.

"the proposed amendment falls within Parliament's legislative competence - PP Chaudhary"

New Delhi, March 8

The Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the Constitution Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws Bill, 2024, will meet on March 9, at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi.

The committee, chaired by BJP MP PP Choudhary, will hold an interaction with senior political leaders and former chief ministers, including Ghulam Nabi Azad and M Veerappa Moily.

Azad has previously served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and as a Union Minister, while Moily has held several key positions, including Union Minister, Chairman of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, is linked to the proposed reform popularly known as "One Nation, One Election," which seeks to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is also part of the broader framework aimed at facilitating the implementation of simultaneous elections across the country.

Earlier in February, the Joint Parliamentary Committee held a meeting on the "One Nation, One Election" proposal at the Parliament House Complex. After the meeting, committee chairman PP Chaudhary said that discussions mainly revolved around the constitutional validity of the proposed reform.

Chaudhary stated that several members had raised concerns regarding the constitutional aspects of the bill. However, he noted that former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, who also participated in the meeting, had observed that the proposed amendment falls within Parliament's legislative competence.

According to sources, Gavai argued that the proposed legislation does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution, including the federal framework and the democratic system of governance. He also noted that the amendment would only synchronise the timing of elections and would not alter the structure of elections or the rights of voters.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the idea sounds efficient, I have concerns. What about the autonomy of states? If a state government falls mid-term, will it have to wait for the national cycle? The federal structure is crucial for our diverse nation.
V
Vikram M
Good to see senior leaders like Azad and Moily being consulted. We need all-party consensus on such a major constitutional change. Hope the JPC listens to all viewpoints, not just push through a pre-decided agenda.
S
Sarah B
The cost savings argument is strong. Billions are spent every year on elections. That money could be better used for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Synchronising elections makes practical sense.
R
Rohit P
The former CJI's opinion that it doesn't violate the basic structure is reassuring. But implementation will be a nightmare! Logistically, managing EVMs, security, and staff for all states and LS together? Herculean task.
K
Kavya N
My worry is about smaller regional parties. They won't have the resources to fight a national and state election simultaneously. This could unfairly benefit national parties with deeper pockets. Democracy should be level-playing.
M
Michael C
Interesting to follow this from abroad. Many countries have fixed election dates. It reduces uncertainty. If done right, this

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