Government Delays Introduction of 'One Nation, One Election' Bills in Parliament

Proposed legislation for simultaneous national and state elections now expected later this week, with implementation unlikely before 2034.

The government has postponed introducing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, initially scheduled for Monday, to later this week.
The proposed bills aim to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, with provisions suggesting implementation after the 2029 general elections, targeting 2034 for the first simultaneous polls.
Former election commissioners have called for broader electoral reforms and extensive deliberations on the bills, expressing concerns about their impact on democracy and the federal structure.
Critics argue the exclusion of panchayat and municipal elections undermines the concept of simultaneous polls, while proponents highlight potential cost savings and administrative efficiency.
The bills were deferred to prioritize debates marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, with discussions expected to resume in the coming days.