As law ministry backs one poll, opposition MPs demand data on claims

The law ministry's presentation on the need for 'one nation one poll' before the first meeting of the parliamentary panel saw participation from both BJP and Opposition MPs, with members questioning various aspects of the two bills proposed on conducting simultaneous polls.

The 39-member joint parliamentary committee witnessed almost full attendance, which is not very usual in House committee meetings. Opposition members posed searching questions on whether these bills violate basic doctrines, go against the spirit of federalism and how state legislatures could be considered 'subordinate' to the national legislature. The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill were introduced in the Lok Sabha during the winter session and referred to the committee.

However, at one point some ruling MPs echoed the Opposition MPs - this was when empirical data was sought on how simultaneous polls could impact per capita GDP.


Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, questioned the claim that simultaneous polls would reduce expenditure. She suggested that all reports and estimates were from the pre-EVM era. The Opposition MPs specifically asked if any estimates were laid out following the 2004 Lok Sabha elections when EVMs were used for the first time in all 543 seats and are believed to have brought down the cost incurred, sources said.

A TMC MP said upholding people's democratic rights is more important than saving money.

Strongly defending the bill, BJP MPs said it was being proposed in the interest of the country and citizens. Another BJP MP, VD Sharma, said the idea of simultaneous polls was reflective of popular will. They argued that continuous cycle of elections hampers development and was a drain on the exchequer. 'One nation one poll' will boost growth, they said.


Noting that seven state assemblies were dissolved in 1957 to ensure state polls were held alongside the national elections, BJP's Sanjay Jaiswal asked whether stalwarts like the then President Rajendra Prasad, who was chairman of Constituent Assembly, and other eminent lawmakers, including those in the Nehru government, acted in violation of the Constitution.

V Vijayasai Reddy of YSR Congress, who earlier supported the concept to the Kovind Committee, demanded that ballot papers must replace EVMs that are "vulnerable to manipulation". Reddy claimed that simultaneous elections will marginalise regional parties, dilute diversity of representations and local issues.

JDU's Sanjay Jha, sources said, spoke about 'booth capturing in Bihar' during ballot papers days to oppose the proposal to bring them back.