One Nation, One Election: JPC Nears Crucial Report on Simultaneous Polls Framework
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is close to finalizing its report on simultaneous elections in India. With constitutional amendments likely in the upcoming session, the roadmap for “One Nation, One Election” could reshape India’s democratic process.

Introduction: The Debate Intensifies Over Unified Polls
India’s democratic structure may be on the cusp of a generational transformation. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed to study the feasibility of “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) is nearing the conclusion of its deliberations, with its final report expected to be tabled in the upcoming session of Parliament.
The concept, long debated in policy and political circles, proposes the synchronisation of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to be held simultaneously across the country. As the JPC finalizes recommendations on the constitutional, logistical, and legal framework, the debate has intensified within Parliament and beyond.
Background: What is “One Nation, One Election”?
The idea of holding simultaneous elections is not new. In fact, India practiced it in the initial decades post-Independence, with general and state elections occurring together in 1951–52, 1957, 1962, and 1967. However, premature dissolutions of state assemblies and shifting political dynamics led to the current staggered election cycle.
Today, India sees an average of 5–7 elections every year, leading to frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), policy slowdowns, and massive recurring expenses. Advocates of ONOE argue that it can reduce administrative burden, lower election costs, and improve governance continuity.
The Law Commission, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and various expert panels have all studied the concept. The Modi government renewed focus on this reform, culminating in the establishment of a high-level JPC in September 2023.
JPC Mandate: Examining the Practical Framework
The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was tasked with examining:
-
Legal and constitutional amendments required
-
Mechanisms to synchronize Lok Sabha and state elections
-
Challenges posed by mid-term dissolutions and President’s Rule
-
Role and preparedness of the Election Commission
-
Stakeholder views, including those of political parties, state governments, and legal experts
Over the past ten months, the JPC has conducted extensive consultations with constitutional scholars, political parties across the spectrum, the ECI, and civil society groups.
According to internal sources, the report will include proposals for time-bound constitutional amendments and a multi-phase roadmap for phased implementation of simultaneous elections, beginning as early as 2029.
What the Report Is Likely to Recommend
While the final draft remains confidential, early indicators suggest the JPC will propose a three-step roadmap:
-
Constitutional Amendments:
Amendments to Articles 83, 172, 356, and 324 are expected to allow synchronization of election cycles and fixed tenures. This would need support from two-thirds of Parliament and ratification by at least half of the state legislatures. -
Pilot Synchronisation:
The JPC is likely to recommend a pilot phase, possibly in select states or Union Territories, where elections can be aligned with the general election of 2029. -
Institutional Strengthening:
Recommendations include the creation of a permanent Election Management Authority, upgradation of the ECI’s infrastructure, and legal provisions to address premature dissolution of assemblies.
Additionally, the committee may propose a legal mechanism to bring all elections within a fixed five-year framework, along with an emergency provision to address cases of no-confidence or President’s Rule.
Political Responses: A Divided House
The ONOE proposal has predictably divided political opinion. The ruling BJP has made it a key governance and reform agenda item, arguing that it enhances national unity, reduces public expenditure, and curbs populism driven by election cycles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly backed the idea, calling it “the need of the hour” and a path to more focused and long-term policymaking.
However, Opposition parties have raised sharp concerns. The Congress, DMK, TMC, and Left parties have opposed the proposal, calling it unconstitutional, impractical, and an attempt to centralize power.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge noted that regional diversity and federalism demand flexibility in electoral cycles. “You cannot put all states into a constitutional straightjacket,” he stated during a recent parliamentary debate.
Legal experts have also warned that implementing simultaneous elections without full federal consensus could trigger judicial challenges.
Constitutional and Logistical Hurdles
To make ONOE a reality, the following hurdles must be addressed:
-
Amendments to at least 5 Constitutional articles
-
Consensus across multiple political parties and state assemblies
-
Huge resource requirements for simultaneous conduct — including 5 million EVMs, VVPATs, and trained personnel
-
Robust legal framework for situations such as mid-term dissolutions, hung assemblies, and state emergencies
The Election Commission of India, while not opposed to the idea, has asked for “adequate legal backing, additional manpower, and financial support” to implement ONOE effectively.
Timeline and Next Steps
The JPC is expected to submit its report before the winter session of Parliament (December 2025). If tabled and accepted, the government may attempt to pass constitutional amendments in early 2026.
However, given the political resistance and federal implications, any final implementation is unlikely before the 2029 General Elections.
A multi-year phased rollout — with pilot synchronisation in select assemblies — appears to be the most viable short-term outcome.
Public Sentiment: A Nation Divided
The Indian public remains divided on the issue. While surveys conducted by government-backed think tanks show that a majority of citizens support the idea of fewer elections, civil society groups have voiced apprehensions.
Critics warn that simultaneous elections may:
-
Limit regional voices in a large national campaign
-
Make smaller parties invisible under national narratives
-
Create over-centralisation of campaign funding and media attention
On the other hand, proponents argue that the current election calendar keeps India in perpetual campaign mode, weakening governance and fiscal discipline.
Expert Opinions: Can ONOE Strengthen Indian Democracy?
Many constitutional scholars agree that ONOE can bring efficiency, but only if implemented with democratic safeguards.
Justice B.N. Srikrishna, former Supreme Court judge, noted:
“Simultaneous elections are feasible, but the federal structure must not be undermined. It must be a consultative, consensual process—not a unilateral executive action.”
Similarly, governance experts have emphasized that institutional preparedness is more critical than legislative intent. Without investments in infrastructure, training, and legal clarity, the reform could do more harm than good.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The Joint Parliamentary Committee’s report on One Nation, One Election is likely to be one of the most consequential legislative documents in recent memory. As India inches closer to becoming a $5-trillion economy, the nature of its democratic institutions must evolve — but not at the cost of federal principles.
The coming months will test Parliament’s ability to rise above partisan divides and deliberate on a reform that could redefine the very rhythm of India’s democratic pulse.
Whether ONOE becomes a symbol of political maturity or a flashpoint for constitutional conflict depends on how inclusive and transparent the next steps are.