JPC Chairperson on One Nation One Election holds meeting in Chandigarh

ANI June 16, 2025 232 views

BJP MP PP Chaudhary chaired a JPC meeting in Chandigarh to discuss the One Nation One Election proposal. AAP's Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly opposed the move, calling it anti-federal. Meanwhile, BJP supporters argue simultaneous polls will save costs and streamline governance. The debate continues as regional parties weigh in on the contentious issue.

"This agenda is harmful to the country... It aims to dismantle the federal structure." – Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab Finance Minister
Chandigarh, June 16: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP PP Chaudhary, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairperson on One Nation One Election, held a meeting in Chandigarh on Monday.

Key Points

1

JPC discusses One Nation One Election with Haryana and Chandigarh parties

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AAP opposes ONOE citing federalism concerns

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BJP-backed panel cites cost and efficiency benefits

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Former President Kovind previously submitted 18,000-page report

The meeting is currently underway with regional and national political parties of Haryana and Chandigarh, including the BJP, INC, JJP, BSP, INLD, and former Chief Ministers, who are discussing the matter of the One Nation One Election.

The 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill for simultaneous national and assembly polls was tabled in the Lok Sabha in December last year. It was later referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The Modi government had formed a High-level Committee on simultaneous Elections, under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, who submitted an over 18,000-page report to President Droupadi Murmu in March last year.

Earlier, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly opposed the Centre's One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposal, terming it a direct assault on the federal structure of the country and against the spirit of the Constitution framed by Dr BR Ambedkar.

Speaking to ANI after a meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in Chandigarh, Cheema reiterated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government's firm stance against the initiative, arguing that it undermines state autonomy.

"The JPC and its Chairman visited Punjab today to seek the views of the state government and political parties on One Nation, One Election. We have clearly presented our viewpoint before the Committee--this agenda is harmful to the country. It aims to dismantle the federal structure of the nation and goes against the principles of our Constitution. This move threatens the autonomy of states, and we strongly oppose it. We will not allow it to be passed," Cheema said.

In contrast, State Convener for ONOE, SS Channy, supported the initiative, claiming that "people want One Nation, One Election to be implemented."

"I welcome the JPC for coming to Punjab to listen to the political parties. We went around the state, and people want One Nation, One Election to be implemented. This will save time and money," Channy said, highlighting the potential benefits of reduced election expenditure and administrative disruptions.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the One Nation One Election meeting in Chandigarh:
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Rajesh K.
Finally some progress on this important reform! Holding elections together will save thousands of crores of taxpayer money. The constant election cycle affects governance and development work. Hope all parties think about national interest rather than political gains 🤞
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Priya M.
I'm concerned about smaller regional parties - how will they compete with national parties if all elections happen together? The AAP minister has a point about federal structure. We need more discussion before rushing into this.
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Amit S.
As someone from Chandigarh, I've seen how frequent elections disrupt daily life. Security forces deployment, model code of conduct - it affects everything! One election will bring stability. Those opposing should suggest alternatives instead of just saying no.
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Sunita R.
The 18,000-page report shows how seriously this has been studied. But implementation will be tricky - what if a state government falls mid-term? We need clear constitutional safeguards before proceeding. Good that JPC is consulting all stakeholders.
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Vikram J.
Elections = festivals of democracy! Why reduce their frequency? The diversity of India needs different election cycles. This feels like a move towards presidential system. Our parliamentary democracy with federal structure is what makes India unique 🇮🇳
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Neha T.
Practical benefits are clear - less expenditure, less disruption. But emotionally, I'll miss the constant political debates and excitement! 😄 On serious note, hope they find middle path that preserves regional voices while achieving efficiency.

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Tags:
One Nation One Election PP Chaudhary BJP AAP Harpal Singh Cheema Ram Nath Kovind