JPC on ‘One Nation-One Election’ Holds Crucial Talks with Himachal CM, Deputy CM.
Shimla:
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 — key legislations linked to the proposed ‘One Nation-One Election’ initiative — held an important consultation with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today.
The meeting, held in Shimla, was chaired by senior parliamentarian P.P. Choudhary, who led the Committee’s visit as part of its ongoing nationwide deliberations on synchronizing elections across the country. The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the Chairperson and Committee members, presenting them with traditional Himachali caps and shawls in a gesture of cultural hospitality.
During the discussions, the JPC sought state-level insights on the feasibility and potential impact of implementing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Chief Minister Sukhu and Deputy CM Agnihotri presented the official stance of the Himachal Pradesh Government and offered constructive inputs during the deliberations.
Member of Parliament from Hamirpur and Union Minister Anurag Thakur also participated in the meeting as a member of the Committee, contributing to the state-centric discussions.
Speaking to the media in an informal briefing following the session, Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated the Congress Party’s opposition to the ‘One Nation-One Election’ proposal. However, he emphasized that despite the party’s reservations, the state government had made some suggestions in good faith, aiming to preserve and strengthen India’s democratic fabric.
“We have suggested that provisions be incorporated to allow for by-elections within the year to ensure that democratic values are upheld even in the event of unforeseen vacancies,” Sukhu stated.
The interaction forms part of the JPC’s broader consultative process, engaging with stakeholders across various states to shape what could become one of the most transformative electoral reforms in India’s democratic history.
The Committee is expected to compile a comprehensive report after consultations with all states, political parties, and civil society stakeholders before tabling its final recommendations in Parliament.
