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Simultaneous Elections Panel To Hold Consultations In Bengaluru, Gandhinagar
The Joint Parliamentary Committee on One Nation, One Election will conduct a new round of nationwide consultations, including meetings in Bengaluru and Gandhinagar from May 16 to May 21, 2026, to assess the feasibility of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state elections. The panel will engage a wide range of stakeholders and examine constitutional, administrative, financial, and logistical implications. This outreach follows earlier consultations in several states, amid a broader national debate about the proposed framework.
Why It Matters
The outcome could shape the push for simultaneous elections, potentially affecting election costs, governance, and representation across India's federal structure.
Timeline
7 Events
Ongoing national discussion
May 14, 2026
This latest round of consultations comes as debates over simultaneous elections continue to generate sharp political and constitutional discussions across the country.
Policy debate context
May 14, 2026
The government has maintained that simultaneous elections could reduce poll expenditure, minimise disruption caused by frequent election cycles and improve governance efficiency, while opposition parties and several constitutional experts have raised concerns about the federal structure and regional political representation.
Earlier outreach completed
May 14, 2026
The committee's outreach has already covered Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.
Purpose of consultations
May 14, 2026
The consultations are aimed at understanding the constitutional, administrative, financial and logistical implications of holding simultaneous elections in India.
Stakeholders to be consulted
May 14, 2026
The committee will interact with constitutional authorities, political parties, regional outfits, legal experts, industry representatives, financial institutions, academic bodies and civil society.
Committee leadership and bills under review
May 14, 2026
The panel is chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary and is reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to enable a framework for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Upcoming consultations window announced
May 14, 2026
The Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the proposed One Nation, One Election framework will begin another round of nationwide consultations this week, with meetings scheduled in Bengaluru and Gandhinagar between May 16 and May 21, 2026.