Legal experts divided over plans to conduct simultaneous elections

NEW DELHI: Former judges and constitutional experts are divided over the proposal to hold concurrent elections to state assemblies and Parliament, with one section saying it aligns with constitutional principles while the other warn of potential threats to democracy.

- Abraham Thomas

The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. If any assembly is dissolved during this period, mid-term polls would be held only for the remaining term.

"The objective of holding simultaneous elections seems to be correct. Personally, there is nothing wrong with it," former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi said. Referring to India's electoral history, he pointed out that simultaneous polls were the norm in the decades after Independence.

"This will give more time for governments to focus on development, infrastructure and welfare activities that can take the country forward."