The Parliamentary panel on simultaneous elections has been granted an extension to present its much-anticipated report, with the deadline now set for the last week of the 2025 winter session. The motion for this extension was moved in Parliament and approved, allowing the panel more time to deliberate on the complex issue of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

According to the motion, the panel will have until the first day of the last week of the 2025 winter session to present its findings. This move comes in response to the logistical, administrative, and constitutional challenges involved in implementing such a sweeping electoral reform.

The idea of simultaneous elections, often referred to as "One Nation, One Election," has been a recurring topic in Indian political discourse. Proponents argue it will reduce the frequency of elections, thereby saving public funds, cutting down on administrative strain, and allowing governments to focus more on governance rather than being in perpetual election mode. Critics, however, warn of potential threats to democratic accountability, as citizens would have fewer opportunities to express their will through elections at different points in time.

The panel is reportedly engaging with constitutional experts, the Election Commission of India, state representatives, and political parties to understand the feasibility of aligning election cycles. Key issues under discussion include constitutional amendments, synchronizing electoral rolls, changes in the model code of conduct, and the implications for federalism.

Historically, simultaneous elections were common in India until the late 1960s, when political instability led to the dissolution of several state assemblies at different times, breaking the synchrony with the Lok Sabha elections. Since then, the Indian electoral calendar has become fragmented, leading to frequent polling and a near-constant imposition of the model code of conduct, which can disrupt governance and policy implementation.

The extension signals that the panel is still weighing the pros and cons carefully before submitting a final recommendation. As the deadline now falls during the 2025 winter session, there is anticipation that the report could shape the electoral strategies and political debates ahead of the next general election.

Political reactions to the extension have been mixed. Supporters of the reform see it as a chance for thorough deliberation, ensuring that the proposal is legally sound and practically implementable. Detractors worry that the extra time may be used to push through reforms without sufficient consensus, given the contentious nature of the proposal.

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