The central government’s ambitious ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan appears to be slipping further behind schedule. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), tasked with examining the proposal, has once again failed to present its report—this time during the Winter Session of Parliament.
On Thursday, committee chairman and BJP MP P. P. Chaudhary formally requested more time to complete the report. Parliament accepted the request, granting an extension until the first working day of the last week of the upcoming Budget Session.
This marks the third extension for the committee and raises new doubts about whether India can realistically implement simultaneous elections by 2034, the target year outlined earlier.
Why the delay matters
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill is currently under detailed examination by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The panel has been consulting:
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Former Chief Election Commissioners
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Former Chief Justices
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Constitutional experts
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Public policy specialists
Chaudhary had earlier stated that implementing simultaneous polls before 2034 would be nearly impossible due to the scale of legal and administrative changes required. The latest delay only amplifies those concerns.
Can India meet the 2034 target?
The next Lok Sabha election is scheduled for 2029. If a new government completes its full term, it will remain in office until 2034.
The central government plans to begin simultaneous polls by:
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Conducting Lok Sabha and all State Assembly elections together in early 2034
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Eventually bringing municipal and panchayat elections under the same framework
But unless the committee finalises its report soon, legislative steps will be pushed back, leaving little time for implementation.
129th Constitutional Amendment: the core of the debate
To enable simultaneous elections, the Centre is preparing the 129th Constitutional Amendment, which would restructure electoral schedules nationwide.
However, opposition parties strongly object to this amendment, arguing that:
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It undermines India’s federal structure
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It gives disproportionate power to the Centre
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It may force several states to cut short the tenure of their Assemblies to sync with the national cycle
For instance, states due for elections between 2029 and 2034 might see shortened terms if the new system begins mid-cycle.
Why is the committee taking so long?
Sources indicate that the committee is struggling with multiple complexities:
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Reworking India’s constitutional and legal framework
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Assessing the logistical needs for nationwide simultaneous elections
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Evaluating costs, security deployment, and EVM requirements
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Coordinating with all state governments and the Election Commission
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Planning for emergencies and mid-term election scenarios
Given the scope, experts say it is unsurprising that the report requires more time.
So when will ‘One Nation, One Election’ actually happen?
At this point, the only certainty is uncertainty.
The committee’s report—now expected during the upcoming Budget Session—will shape the future course, but:
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Without political consensus
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Without timely constitutional approval
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And without administrative readiness
the 2034 timeline remains highly uncertain.
All eyes will now be on the Budget Session, where the much-anticipated report is finally expected.
