Simultaneous polls would open avenues for new faces, Law Ministry tells Parliamentary panel

New Delhi: The Law Ministry has suggested that simultaneous polls would open avenues for new faces in politics whereas in the present system certain leaders dominate political landscape and monopolise key positions, sources in a parliamentary panel said.

Law Ministry has submitted replies to the questions asked to it by MPs from across the party lines who are members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes simultaneous polls.

While several questions it has referred to the Election Commission for more details, sources said.


In its replies the ministry has strongly argued for simultaneous polls while responding to questions on whether this proposal violates basic structure of the constitution and is against federalism.

Simultaneous polls are not against free and fair elections and against basic structure doctrine. The proposed amendments in the constitution do not imprint upon rights of the citizen and does not violate right to vote and right to contest, sources said citing the ministry's reply.

To buttress its point that simultaneous polls are not against the basic structure of constitution, the ministry has cited several landmark judgements of Kesvananda Bharti case, SR Bommai case, Indira Gandhi vs Raj Naryana case among others, sources said.

Responding to queries that would simultaneous polls might dilute the diversity of political representatives, the ministry has suggested that one nation one election "entails a more equitable allocation of political opportunities and responsibilities within political parties," sources added.

In the scenario of simultaneous polls, there is greater scope for diversification and inclusivity among political workers representing various parties, it added. It would lead towards more inclusive approach towards selection of candidates by ensuring that a broader spectrum of party workers and leaders are offered opportunities to represent their constituency, sources said citing the detailed reply.