'One Nation, One Election' Likely to Become Reality by 2029, Says JPC Chief P.P. Chaudhary

The proposal to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is expected to become a reality by 2029, according to P.P. Chaudhary, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the One Nation, One Election Bill and former Union Minister.Speaking to the media in Goa on Friday after a meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the state cabinet, Chaudhary said the committee is examining various possibilities and suggestions to develop a framework that is acceptable to all political parties. The meeting was part of the JPC's consultations on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, which seeks to facilitate simultaneous elections across the country.

Chaudhary said that if political parties and some state governments voluntarily agree, elections in certain states could be held earlier so that they align with the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He added that the discussions in Goa focused on the practical aspects of conducting simultaneous elections, the challenges involved, and possible solutions.The JPC has already visited Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi as part of its nationwide consultation process. During these visits, the committee interacted with constitutional experts, academicians, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

According to Chaudhary, nearly 99% of those consulted have expressed support for the proposal. He emphasized that the committee is working towards creating a system that enjoys broad political consensus and is acceptable to all stakeholders.He also noted that the economic aspects of the One Nation, One Election proposal have already been submitted to the high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind. Chaudhary expressed confidence that the initiative is on track to be implemented by the time the next Lok Sabha elections are held in 2029.