Simultaneous Polls: Law Ministry's Perspective

The Law Ministry has articulated several arguments in favor of conducting simultaneous elections in India. This move is considered to potentially bring about significant changes in the political landscape.

Key Arguments for Simultaneous Polls

• Introduction of New Faces: Simultaneous polls could provide opportunities for new individuals in politics, reducing the current dominance of certain leaders.
• Constitutional Compliance:
  1. The ministry asserts that simultaneous elections do not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
  2. It argues that these polls would not infringe upon citizens' rights to vote or contest elections.
• Judicial Support: The ministry cites landmark judgments like the Keshavananda Bharti case, SR Bommai case, and Indira Gandhi vs. Raj Narain case to support its stance on constitutional validity.
• Political Diversity and Inclusivity:
  1. Simultaneous polls would promote a more equitable political landscape within parties.
  2. It would increase diversification by allowing a broader range of party workers and leaders to get representation.

Concerns and Responses

• Dilution of Political Diversity: The ministry argues that simultaneous elections would actually enhance political diversity rather than dilute it.
• Federalism: The proposal does not undermine federal principles and is aligned with the doctrine of free and fair elections.

The Law Ministry has submitted its responses to the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, while also referring several questions to the Election Commission for further details.