Former President Ram Nath Kovind-led high-level committee tasked with studying the feasibility of simultaneous national and state elections presented its comprehensive report to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The committee, comprising Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, 15th Finance Commission Chairperson NK Singh, and former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash C. Kashyap, submitted the exhaustive report, spanning 18,626 pages. It marks the culmination of 191 days of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and research work since its inception on September 2, 2023.
According to sources, the panel recommended scheduling simultaneous polls for 2029, addressing logistical and procedural challenges. The proposal entails conducting Lok Sabha and assembly elections concurrently, followed by local body elections within 100 days. The report suggests aligning the tenure of state assemblies with subsequent Lok Sabha elections and conducting fresh polls in the event of a hung House or a no-confidence motion during the remaining five-year term.
Moreover, the report includes an analysis by NK Singh and the International Monetary Fund’s Prachi Mishra on the economic viability of simultaneous elections. The committee has maintained active engagement with political parties, constitutional experts, former Chief Election Commissioners, the Election Commission, and other pertinent stakeholders to gather insights and viewpoints on the matter.
The submission of the report underscores a significant step toward reforming the electoral process, aiming to streamline governance and minimize disruptions caused by frequent elections. It reflects meticulous research, thorough consultations, and a concerted effort to address the complexities associated with simultaneous polls.
The recommendations put forth by the committee will likely fuel discussions and debates among policymakers, with implications for the future electoral landscape of the country. As the nation navigates through discussions on electoral reforms, the report serves as a crucial document, paving the way for informed decision-making and fostering transparency in the electoral process.
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