1 Nation 1 Election panel recommends simultaneous polls

A high-level committee suggests curtailing tenure of state legislative assemblies for synchronisation with LS polls

- PREETHA NAIR

MOVING a step closer to the Centre's 'one nation, one election proposal', a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday recommended simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies and local bodies, in its report submitted to President Droupadi Murmu.

The voluminous report, which runs into more than 18,000 pages, proposes several constitutional amendments to hold synchronised elections across the country. Most of the proposed amendments do not need ratification by states. The report, which was prepared after extensive consultations with stakeholders, said simultaneous polls will spur development and social cohesion, deepen "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India, that is Bharat".