The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is reportedly exploring the possibility of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies in 22 states and Union Territories (UTs) as early as 2029. This initiative would require the early dissolution of these Assemblies, a departure from their scheduled terms, according to a recent report.
Advancing the 'One Nation, One Election' Proposal
Currently, a Joint Committee of Parliament is deliberating on the 'One Nation, One Election' Bills, which aim to synchronize election cycles across India. Under the existing proposals, the earliest these simultaneous polls could be implemented is 2034. However, the new report suggests a concerted effort by the NDA to bring this timeline forward by five years in regions where it holds power.
States and UTs Under Consideration
Of the 22 NDA-ruled states and UTs identified, 11 are due for Assembly elections over the next two years, before the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. States like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh already conduct their Assembly elections concurrently with general elections. Other NDA-governed states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and Tripura, are scheduled for polls in 2027 and 2028, while Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra are due in 2029.
Should the NDA retain power in these states over the coming two years, their Assemblies could potentially be dissolved by January 2029 to align with the proposed new schedule.
Legal Framework and Challenges
The dissolution of state Assemblies falls under Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution, which allows the Governor to dissolve an Assembly, typically on the advice of the state government or when it loses its majority. Following dissolution, elections must be conducted within six months, as per the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The parliamentary committee, formed in December 2024, is examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These bills would facilitate shortened terms for Assemblies elected after the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following general elections, thereby synchronizing future electoral cycles.
Opposition States and Future Models
Opposition-ruled states, such as Punjab (2027), Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Mizoram, and Telangana (2028), would have different timelines. After their next elections, these Assemblies would have several years remaining when the 2029 Lok Sabha elections occur, posing a challenge to immediate synchronization.
Several BJP Chief Ministers, including those from Goa, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Delhi, have voiced support for simultaneous elections. P.P. Chaudhary, chairman of the parliamentary committee, reiterated the necessity of 'One Nation, One Election' for national interest, clarifying that it does not imply a single voting day but rather phased elections managed by the Election Commission.
To address potential issues like governments falling due to no-confidence motions, the committee might propose adopting models similar to Germany (requiring a new leader before removing the current one) or Japan (leader elected on the floor of the House). Updates to the Anti-Defection Law may also be necessary to support this system, aiming for long-term political stability.