New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is reportedly examining whether Assembly elections in 22 NDA-ruled states and Union Territories could be aligned with the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, potentially advancing the implementation of the government’s “One Nation, One Election” proposal.
The idea is still under consideration and no final decision has been announced. The existing constitutional amendment Bills being examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee currently provide a framework under which full simultaneous elections would effectively become possible from 2034.
NDA Explores Earlier 2029 Timeline
According to a report by The Indian Express, discussions are underway on whether NDA-governed Assemblies could voluntarily shorten their terms so that their elections can be held alongside the next Lok Sabha polls in 2029.
The proposal would involve coordinating Assembly terms across states where the NDA is in power, rather than waiting until 2034 for the full nationwide simultaneous-election framework envisaged under the Bills currently before Parliament.
The report said 22 states and Union Territories governed by NDA parties are part of the discussions.
However, the move would depend heavily on decisions taken by individual state governments and their chief ministers.
Why 2034 Is the Current Legislative Timeline
The parliamentary process currently centres on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
A Joint Parliamentary Committee was constituted in December 2024 to examine the proposed legislation.
Under the framework contained in the Bills, the terms of Assemblies elected after a designated Lok Sabha election would be adjusted so that future Lok Sabha and Assembly elections could eventually be conducted together.
As currently structured, the earliest full nationwide simultaneous election cycle under this arrangement would be 2034, according to the reporting.
The parliamentary committee is expected to submit its report during the upcoming Winter Session.
Some Assemblies May Need Their Terms Cut Short
Bringing Assembly elections forward to 2029 would require several state legislatures to end their terms earlier than scheduled.
States including Goa, Gujarat, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which are due to hold Assembly elections before 2029, could potentially see the terms of their next Assemblies shortened if their governments agree to synchronise with the Lok Sabha election.
Similarly, Assemblies in states such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Tripura could also require significant term adjustments under such a plan.
At present, these possibilities remain part of political discussions rather than an approved election schedule.
Four NDA States Already Vote With Lok Sabha Polls
Some states already conduct Assembly elections at the same time as Lok Sabha elections.
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim currently follow election cycles aligned with the parliamentary polls. All four are presently governed by NDA parties or allies.
This existing arrangement is being viewed as an example of how simultaneous voting can operate at the state and national levels.
Constitutional Route for Early Dissolution
Under Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution, a Governor can dissolve a state Legislative Assembly, generally acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
If an Assembly is dissolved before completing its normal five-year term, an election must ordinarily follow within the legally required period.
According to the report, one option being examined could involve NDA governments recommending early dissolution of their Assemblies closer to the 2029 Lok Sabha election period.
Such a decision would have major political implications because some state governments could be voluntarily giving up several years of their constitutionally expected term.
Several NDA Chief Ministers Back Simultaneous Elections
The Joint Parliamentary Committee has been consulting state governments, political leaders, constitutional experts and other stakeholders on the One Nation, One Election proposal.
Chief ministers from several NDA-ruled states have publicly supported simultaneous elections.
The report noted that leaders from Goa, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Delhi have expressed support for the broader principle during consultations with the parliamentary committee.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also reportedly indicated that her government would consider an adjustment to its tenure if required for aligning elections nationally.
Opposition Continues to Oppose the Proposal
The One Nation, One Election proposal remains politically contentious.
Opposition parties, including the Congress and DMK, have opposed the proposed constitutional amendments, arguing that simultaneous elections could undermine the federal structure and democratic accountability.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh reiterated his party’s opposition to the concept and said its position had not changed while the Joint Parliamentary Committee continues examining the legislation.
Supporters of simultaneous elections, on the other hand, argue that frequent elections increase administrative costs, repeatedly trigger the Model Code of Conduct and disrupt governance.
2029 Could Become a Key Political Test
If the NDA eventually decides to align elections in its 22 states and Union Territories with the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, it could represent the biggest practical step yet towards the One Nation, One Election model.
However, several legal, constitutional and political decisions would still be required before such a plan could become reality.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration rather than an approved policy, and the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s recommendations will be closely watched as the debate over simultaneous elections continues.
Source – The Indian Express
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