India's 'One Nation, One Election' Proposal Faces Divided Opinions in First Parliamentary Panel Meeting

The Joint Parliamentary Committee began discussions on simultaneous elections, with BJP advocating cost-cutting benefits and opposition parties raising concerns over federalism and democratic principles.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) held its first meeting to examine two bills proposing simultaneous elections across India, aiming for implementation by 2034.
BJP members, including JPC Chair PP Chaudhary, defended the proposal, citing reduced election costs, governance focus, and public support from consultations with over 25,000 individuals.
Opposition parties, including Congress, DMK, and TMC, argued that the bills undermine federalism, democratic accountability, and regional representation, with some demanding a longer review timeline for the JPC.
Concerns were raised about potential issues such as shortened government terms, the impact on smaller regional parties, and the lack of updated cost analyses since the introduction of electronic voting machines.
The bills propose constitutional amendments to align Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, but debates continue over their practicality, legal framework, and implications for India's democratic structure.