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One Nation, One Election: JPC reports 99% stakeholder support
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) proposal has reported significant stakeholder support, with chairman PP Chaudhary claiming that 99% of those consulted favor simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Chaudhary indicated that if the necessary constitutional amendments are passed by 2028, the synchronized election cycle could potentially begin as early as 2029. He noted that the implementation would depend on the consent of individual state governments and their respective councils of ministers.
The proposal faces strong opposition from several political leaders. Former Union minister P Chidambaram testified before the committee that the move is ‘unconstitutional’ and would violate the basic structure of the Constitution by curtailing the fixed five-year terms of legislatures. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose also raised concerns, suggesting the plan would grant ‘unbridled’ power to the Election Commission.
In contrast, the committee has received positive feedback from civil society representatives, including Padma awardees, who expressed support for the initiative in the national interest, provided that sufficient safeguards are established to protect the federal structure.
Entities
Congress · Election Commission of India · Joint Parliamentary Committee · Lok Sabha · P Chidambaram · PP Chaudhary
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The objective of simultaneous elections is to save time and resources, as frequent elections impact the state exchequer and governance. www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 99% of stakeholders consulted by the Joint Parliamentary Committee favor the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. thenews21.com · nagalandpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative could be rolled out in 2029 if the required constitutional amendments are approved by 2028. nagalandpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former Union minister P Chidambaram argued that the proposal to synchronize elections is unconstitutional and violates the basic structure of the Constitution. highlandpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Padma awardees consulted by the committee expressed broad support for the proposal in the national interest, provided adequate safeguards are included.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] TMC MP Sagarika Ghose opposed the bill, claiming it would grant unbridled power to the Election Commission. highlandpost.com