🌿 Knowledge Drop – 042

Law Ministry Defends Its Simultaneous Polls Proposal

28 November 2025

Syllabus: GS-2 / Polity and Governance

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🌱 Intro Whisper

“Democracy is not only about voting often — it is about governing wisely between votes.”

The Union Law Ministry has defended its proposal for Simultaneous Elections (One Nation, One Election), asserting that the framework does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. The clarification comes amid ongoing parliamentary scrutiny and concerns over federalism, accountability, and democratic balance.

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🏛️ Context

• The Union Law Ministry stated that the proposed framework on simultaneous elections is constitutionally valid.
• It argued that the proposal affects only the timing and frequency of elections, not the right to vote.
• The issue is currently under examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

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📜 Background: The One Nation One Election Bills

• In 2024, the Law Minister introduced:
  • The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024
  • Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill
• These are collectively referred to as the One Nation One Election Bills.

Core Proposal

• Synchronisation of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections.
• State Assemblies elected after a particular Lok Sabha may have curtailed terms to align with the Lok Sabha’s tenure.
• Once alignment is achieved, future elections will be held simultaneously.

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🧩 Role of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

• The Bills were referred to the JPC to ensure:
  • They do not violate the basic structure doctrine.
  • Federal balance and democratic accountability remain intact.
• The JPC is scheduled to meet:
  • Representatives of the 23rd Law Commission
  • Officials of the Election Commission of India
    on December 4.

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⚖️ View of the Union Law Ministry

1️⃣ Five-Year Tenure Is Not Absolute

• Articles 83(2) and 172(1) provide a five-year term for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies “unless sooner dissolved.”
• The Ministry argues this clause was deliberately included by the Constitution’s framers to allow flexibility.

2️⃣ Basic Structure Doctrine Not Violated

• The basic structure protects:
  • Separation of powers
  • Federalism
  • Democratic governance
• The Ministry claims:
  • The Bills do not dilute federalism.
  • They do not disturb separation of powers.

3️⃣ Impact Only on Election Timing

• The proposal affects:
  • Duration and frequency of elections
• It does not affect:
  • Universal adult suffrage
  • The right to vote
• Hence, it does not breach the Constitution’s core values.

4️⃣ Accountability Remains Intact

• Governments remain accountable until the last day of their tenure.
• Parliamentary democracy ensures checks through:
  • Legislature
  • Judiciary
  • Public scrutiny

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🗳️ What Are Simultaneous Elections?

• Simultaneous Elections refer to holding:
  • Lok Sabha elections
  • State Assembly elections
    at the same time.

Historical Precedent

• India followed simultaneous elections in:
  • 1951-52
  • 1957
  • 1962
  • 1967
• The cycle broke due to:
  • Premature dissolutions
  • Political instability

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✅ Arguments in Favour of One Nation One Election

• Reduced Expenditure: Lower costs for repeated elections.
• Administrative Efficiency: Single election cycle simplifies logistics.
• Reduced MCC Disruptions:
  • Frequent elections trigger prolonged Model Code of Conduct, delaying:
    • Policy decisions
    • Welfare schemes
    • Development projects
• Clear Accountability: Voters assess Central and State performance together.
• Cooperative Federalism: Harmonised electoral cycles reduce political friction.

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❌ Arguments Against One Nation One Election

• Logistical Challenges:
  • Massive coordination of security, EVMs, personnel.
• Marginalisation of Local Issues:
  • National narratives may overshadow regional concerns.
• Complex Constitutional Changes:
  • Requires multiple amendments and legal restructuring.
• Federalism Concerns:
  • Curtailing or extending State Assembly tenures affects State autonomy.

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🔮 Way Ahead

• The Law Commission is likely to recommend:
  • Simultaneous elections for all three tiers of government
    • Lok Sabha
    • State Assemblies
    • Local bodies (Panchayats & Municipalities)
• The proposed rollout year: 2029.
• The stated goals include:
  • Transparency
  • Inclusivity
  • Voter confidence
  • Governance stability

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🌿 Closing Note

The debate on simultaneous elections is not merely about electoral calendars. It is about balancing efficiency with federalism, and stability with democratic diversity. Whether One Nation One Election strengthens Indian democracy will ultimately depend not on intent alone, but on constitutional safeguards and political consensus.

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