The proposal to hold simultaneous elections for Parliament and State Assemblies has regained momentum, sparking debate over governance stability, federal balance, costs, and constitutional feasibility.

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• The idea of simultaneous elections means conducting polls for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies together once every five years.
• India followed this system in the early decades after independence, but the cycle broke after premature dissolutions of assemblies and Parliament.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly advocated the “One Nation, One Election” proposal to reduce repeated election expenditure and governance disruption.
• Supporters argue it will reduce administrative costs, limit frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, and provide policy stability.
• Critics warn that simultaneous polls may weaken federalism by overshadowing regional issues and strengthening national parties disproportionately.
• Constitutional provisions such as Articles 83 and 172 allow early dissolution, making fixed five-year terms legally complex.
• The High-Level Committee headed by Ram Nath Kovind recommended phased implementation, beginning with Parliament and State Assemblies.
• Studies suggest voters may favor the same party at both levels during simultaneous elections, potentially altering democratic behavior patterns.