By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Vijender Gupta on Wednesday called for broad political consensus and strong constitutional safeguards while discussing the proposed One Nation, One Election framework with the Parliamentary Joint Committee (JPC) during its study visit to the Delhi Assembly.
The Committee, headed by Shri P.P. Chaudhary, is examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 as part of nationwide consultations on simultaneous elections. The panel is assessing the constitutional, legal, administrative and electoral implications of synchronising elections before submitting its recommendations to Parliament.
During the interaction, Vijender Gupta noted that India initially held simultaneous elections after Independence, but changing political circumstances and the premature dissolution of legislatures led to separate electoral cycles. He said frequent elections impose significant administrative and financial costs, repeatedly enforce the Model Code of Conduct and affect governance and development programmes.
The Speaker suggested a comprehensive review of key issues, including synchronisation of electoral cycles, constructive votes of no-confidence, premature dissolution of legislatures, harmonisation of electoral rolls, strengthening the Election Commission’s logistical preparedness and creating institutional mechanisms to ensure political stability while preserving India’s democratic and federal structure.
JPC Chairperson Shri P.P. Chaudhary said the Committee’s nationwide consultations with State Governments, constitutional authorities, legislators and other stakeholders aim to ensure that its recommendations reflect India’s diverse constitutional, political and federal perspectives. He described the exercise as a significant step in shaping the country’s future electoral framework.
Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker Shri Mohan Singh Bisht said the proposal for simultaneous elections merits careful consideration for its potential to improve administrative efficiency and reduce recurring expenditure on frequent elections. He expressed confidence that the Committee’s deliberations would help develop a practical and nationally beneficial electoral framework.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat were also present during the programme.
