Simultaneous elections in 11 states within two years? NDA likely to make decisive move

NEW DELHI: The National Democratic Alliance is purportedly taking a crucial step as the Joint Committee of Parliament on the One Nation One Election Bills is set to interact with the Chief Ministers of various states. As per new reports, the government is mulling holding simultaneous elections in the 22 states and Union Territories where the NDA has a majority. The Indian Express reported that the NDA government is considering the dissolution of the assemblies before the end of their term.

It is reported that elections will be held in 11 of the 22 states ruled by the NDA within the next two years, before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Assembly elections will also be held along with the Lok Sabha elections in the NDA-ruled states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Odisha.

The committee was formed in December 2024 to consider bills that would pave the way for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and all the state assemblies in 2034. The committee is visiting various states. The report is expected by the end of this year's winter session.

If the NDA retains power in the state governments for the next two years, the respective governors will be able to dissolve the assemblies of all these 22 states by January 2029, as per the recommendation of the cabinet, the Indian Express reports, citing a source.

The Governor has the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly under Article 174 (2)(b) of the Constitution. The Governor usually does this on the recommendation of the Cabinet or when the government loses its majority. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, stipulates that elections should be held within six months of the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. Meanwhile, the Congress said it would not respond to mere rumours.