The government has introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha to facilitate simultaneous elections, amid debates over its impact on federalism and the Constitution.

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• Bills approved by the Cabinet aim to align Lok Sabha and state/UT assembly elections.
• Constitution amendment requires a “special majority” in both Houses of Parliament under Article 368.
• President to notify an “appointed date” for simultaneous elections after Lok Sabha’s first session post-general election.
• Municipal elections excluded from the plan, avoiding additional state legislature ratifications.
• High-level committee chaired by ex-President Kovind submitted recommendations in September 2023.
• Of 47 parties consulted, 32 supported simultaneous elections, 15 opposed.
• Simultaneous elections unlikely before the 2034 cycle, as Lok Sabha terms are expected to complete.
• Amendment proposes Article 82A to regulate assembly term synchronization with Lok Sabha.
• Opposition criticized the move as undermining federalism and the Constitution’s basic structure.
• Current plan includes assemblies of J&K, Puducherry, and Delhi but excludes municipal polls.