The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the "One Nation, One Election" proposal convened a crucial meeting on August 11, 2025, engaging with a diverse panel of experts to dissect the intricacies of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The session, held at the Parliament House Annexe, delved into the potential benefits and challenges of this ambitious initiative, building upon previous discussions regarding its economic advantages.
During the meeting, experts underscored the potential for substantial GDP growth and increased investment stemming from synchronized elections. N.K. Singh, former Rajya Sabha Member and Chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission of India, along with Dr. Prachi Mishra, Professor of Economics at Ashoka University, presented compelling data suggesting that simultaneous elections could lead to a 1.5% increase in real GDP growth, equivalent to ₹4.5 lakh crores in FY24 terms. This boost, they argued, could significantly bolster crucial sectors like health and education.
However, the experts also addressed potential disruptions arising from frequent elections. The JPC meticulously examined the complexities of implementing such a sweeping electoral reform. The committee members explored the perspectives of Prof. G Gopal Reddy from Miranda House, University of Delhi; Prof. Sushma Yadava of the Central University of Haryana; Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Rajya Sabha member; Prof. Sheila Rai of Rashtriya Samaj Vigyan Parishad; and Prof. NGopal Mahanta from Gauhati University. Further consultations are scheduled with Justice Sanjiv Khanna, former Chief Justice of India, on August 19.
The "One Nation, One Election" concept envisions synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies. The government has expressed that simultaneous elections would streamline governance, reduce the frequency and cost of polls, and minimize policy paralysis caused by the Model Code of Conduct. The BJP is also actively promoting the "One Nation-One Election" concept among citizens, aiming to raise awareness of its advantages. They plan to conduct meetings with opinion leaders, intellectuals, professionals, and citizen groups to foster support for synchronized elections across all tiers of governance.
The JPC, chaired by BJP MP P P Chaudhary, has been consulting legal experts and former officials to formulate its recommendations on the bill. The committee has engaged with former Chief Justices of India, including J S Khehar and D Y Chandrachud, to address concerns and ensure the bill aligns with the Constitution. Former Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud suggested minor amendments to address interpretational issues related to emergency provisions and the Election Commission's powers.
Despite the potential advantages, the "One Nation, One Election" proposal faces criticism, particularly from opposition parties who view it as a threat to India's federal structure and the autonomy of state governments. Concerns have been raised about the excessive powers granted to the Election Commission and potential disadvantages for regional parties. Former Chief Minister Privthviraj Chavan claimed the concept would result in an imposition of elections on the state and against the constitutional structure of a federal system.
The government aims to hold the first countrywide simultaneous polls by 2034, contingent on the passage of a constitutional amendment. State assemblies elected after 2029 may have shorter terms to align with the 2034 general elections. The proposed legislation, introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024, would allow the President to issue a notification to fix the schedule for future simultaneous elections, likely in 2029. Assemblies elected after 2029 would have terms ending with the five-year term of that Lok Sabha, aligning all future polls by 2034.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that "One Nation, One Election" will not be implemented in upcoming polls and is planned post-2034. BJP MP PP Chaudhary also reiterated that the initiative will not be implemented before 2034 due to complex constitutional changes, logistical challenges, and the need for extensive political consensus.
The "One Nation, One Election" initiative is a complex and ambitious undertaking that requires careful consideration of its potential benefits and challenges. The JPC's ongoing consultations with experts and stakeholders are crucial to addressing concerns and ensuring the successful implementation of this landmark electoral reform.
