Simultaneous polls possible in 2029, says panel chief

A joint parliamentary panel chairman stated that simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies under the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative could be possible by 2029, provided the Constitution is amended and state governments voluntarily support the move. The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, are currently under examination by this 31-member committee. The article highlights the historical context of simultaneous polls (1951-1967), reasons for their disruption, and the constitutional requirements, including a two-thirds majority in Parliament for such amendments. It also mentions a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind that recommended this approach.