Lucknow : The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has conducted a study visit programme in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes the implementation of the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) framework throughout India.
On Monday, the Committee held informal discussions with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and representatives from the Finance, Home, Education, Tourism, Agriculture, Industries, Health and Labour Departments, as well as with the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, regarding Simultaneous Elections.
As part of the nationwide efforts to build consensus on the ONOE framework, JPC Chairperson PP Chaudhary chaired consultations with key stakeholders. He emphasised the project’s significance for long-term governance, stating that the proposal is receiving strong support nationwide.
Speaking to ANI about the Committee’s plan, Chaudhary said, “We will hold a meeting with all the stakeholders over the issue, including the government officials, public representatives, political parties, industries… We are getting a great response… Talking about the will of the people, everyone wants a single election in the country.”
He added, “When we talk about the will of the people, it is clear that everyone wants a single election cycle in the country to avoid the disruptions caused by near-permanent election mode.”
Meanwhile, as the JPC continues its nationwide study tour to build consensus on the ONOE proposal, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai confirmed his participation in consultations in Lucknow.
Desai highlighted the legislative exercise’s importance, stating that the Committee aims to gather diverse perspectives on the constitutional and legal amendments necessary for simultaneous polls.
He said, “I will participate in the meeting on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. Various witnesses are scheduled to share their views, and members will offer their opinions to better understand how this concept would benefit the country.”
Desai also stressed that the JPC is committed to a thorough and consultative approach. “The committee will carefully consider these diverse perspectives and incorporate them when drafting its final report,” he added.
The JPC is expected to finalise and adopt its report at a meeting on July 17 before submitting it to Parliament for further consideration.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, is related to the proposed reform known as “One Nation, One Election,” which seeks to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is also part of the broader framework designed to facilitate simultaneous elections across the country.
Currently, the JPC is reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Both Bills, introduced on December 17, 2024, in the Lok Sabha and referred to the JPC for further scrutiny, together aim to introduce simultaneous elections throughout India.
