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Lok Sabha Extends JPC on 'One Nation, One Election' Till 2026 Monsoon Session

The Lok Sabha has approved an extension for the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, allowing it to work until the 2026 Monsoon Session. The committee is scrutinizing two key Bills introduced in December 2024 that aim to synchronize national and state elections. Chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, the panel has been consulting constitutional experts, former election commissioners, and political parties on the reform's feasibility and impact. The move seeks to reduce electoral expenditure and governance disruptions, though critics have raised concerns about effects on federalism and regional issues.

Key Points: JPC on Simultaneous Polls Gets Extension Till 2026

  • JPC tenure extended to 2026 monsoon session
  • Scrutinizes Bills for simultaneous Lok Sabha & state polls
  • Aims to reduce electoral cost & governance disruption
  • Panel consulting experts & political stakeholders
2 min read

Lok Sabha extends tenure of JPC on simultaneous polls till 2026 monsoon session

Lok Sabha extends Joint Parliamentary Committee tenure to finalize recommendations on 'One Nation, One Election' Bills for synchronized polls.

"The decision allows the panel more time to finalise its recommendations amid ongoing deliberations on this major electoral reform proposal."

New Delhi, March 18

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved an extension to the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee tasked with scrutinising Bills aimed at implementing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

The decision allows the panel more time to finalise its recommendations amid ongoing deliberations on this major electoral reform proposal, commonly referred to as 'One Nation, One Election'.

PP Chaudhary, the BJP MP chairing the 39-member JPC, moved a motion in the Lower House seeking to extend the committee's term until the first day of the last week of the 2026 Monsoon Session of Parliament. The House adopted the motion through a voice vote without opposition, reflecting broad procedural consensus on granting additional time for thorough examination.

The extension pertains specifically to the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes amendments to enable synchronised polls, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which addresses related adjustments for Union Territories.

Introduced in December 2024 by Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, these Bills seek to align Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to reduce the frequency of polls, cut electoral expenditure, minimise governance disruptions from the model code of conduct, and enhance administrative efficiency.

Since its formation late last year, the JPC has held multiple meetings, consulting a wide range of stakeholders, including constitutional experts, economists, former election commissioners, representatives from political parties, and the Law Commission.

The panel has received inputs on the feasibility, legal implications, logistical requirements, and potential impact on federalism and democratic processes.

While proponents argue that simultaneous polls would foster policy continuity and national focus, critics have raised concerns over their effects on regional issues, anti-defection laws, premature dissolutions of assemblies, and the need for extensive constitutional changes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the intent to reduce costs, I'm worried about regional issues getting drowned out. What about states with different concerns? A one-size-fits-all national election cycle might weaken the voice of smaller states and regional parties. The JPC must address this federal concern seriously.
R
Rohit P
Finally! We need this. Every few months there is some election or the other, and development work just stops because of the model code of conduct. Let's have one big election every five years and get on with governance. 👍
S
Sarah B
The logistical challenge is immense. The Election Commission does a phenomenal job, but coordinating elections for the entire country at once is a massive undertaking. I hope the JPC's recommendations include a very detailed and phased rollout plan.
V
Vikram M
The biggest question is about mid-term collapses. If a state government falls, will we have President's Rule for years until the next synchronized election? This seems undemocratic. The constitutional amendments need to be watertight on this point.
K
Karthik V
It's good they are extending the tenure. Rushing such a fundamental change to our democracy would be a mistake. Let all views be heard, especially from constitutional experts. We have to get this right for the future of Indian democracy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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