Lucknow: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the framework for the ambitious ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal concluded its three-day consultation meeting in Lucknow on Wednesday.
On the final day, the committee engaged in extensive deliberations with vice-chancellors and directors of prominent universities and higher educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh. The panel also interacted with legal experts, political scientists, Padma awardees, representatives of civil society organisations, and senior members of the media fraternity.
The wide-ranging consultations aimed to gather diverse perspectives on the feasibility, constitutional implications, and potential benefits and challenges of holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies.
Participants shared their views on logistical requirements, the constitutional amendments needed, and the impact such a reform could have on the country’s federal structure and democratic process.
Addressing the media after the conclusion of the meeting, JPC Chairman P.P. Chaudhary expressed satisfaction with the quality of inputs received. He informed that the committee has so far visited 10 states and received numerous valuable suggestions from people belonging to different walks of life.
Chaudhary emphasised that the committee is approaching the issue with complete objectivity. He said all suggestions and opinions received during these consultations will be thoroughly examined in the subsequent stages of their deliberations before finalising the recommendations.
He assured that the JPC would only place before Parliament those recommendations that serve the broader national interest and strengthen the democratic framework of the country.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal has been a key agenda of the NDA government, with proponents arguing that simultaneous polls would reduce election-related expenditure, minimise disruption to governance, and boost economic activity.
Critics, however, have raised concerns regarding its impact on federalism and the possibility of national issues overshadowing regional concerns.
The JPC’s extensive nationwide consultations reflect the government’s efforts to build a broad consensus on this significant electoral reform before introducing necessary constitutional amendments in Parliament.
(IANS)
