Parliament Panel on Simultaneous Elections Gets Extension Until Winter Session

A joint committee of Parliament examining a Bill to hold simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State assemblies was granted a fresh extension till the end of the Winter Session on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Committee chairman P.P. Chaudhary moved a resolution seeking extension of the deadline for submission of the Committee's report till the first day of the last week of the Winter Session. The resolution was passed by voice vote.

The Winter Session of Parliament typically begins in the last week of November and concludes just before Christmas.

The 41-member Committee is examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to implement the 'One Nation One Election' framework. This proposal seeks to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha, State assemblies, and local bodies.

The Committee has been conducting nationwide consultations on the proposed rollout of simultaneous elections by 2029. Stakeholders from various political parties, civil society, and constitutional experts have been invited to share their views.

The extension indicates that the Committee requires more time to finalise its recommendations, given the complexity and far-reaching implications of the proposed electoral reform. Supporters argue that simultaneous elections would reduce expenditure and administrative burden, while critics raise concerns about federalism and the practical challenges of synchronising terms.

The Committee's report is expected to address these concerns and propose a roadmap for implementation. The extension until the Winter Session allows for further deliberation and consensus-building.