BJP's Bhupendra Singh backs ONOE, says frequent elections cause "economic losses"

Speaking to ANI, Chaudhary said the lengthy election process hampers government work and development activities.

"... We have a long election process, during which many development works are affected, and government work takes a long time. This causes economic losses and impacts development activities. We are trying to raise awareness about this issue so that society discusses it, and we move forward with whatever is in the best interest of the country," the BJP leader said.

BJP National General Secretary Sunil Bansal also stated that simultaneous state assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections would accelerate the country's development and economy.

"It will accelerate our country's development and economy and also give new people a chance to come forward," he said.

The Joint Committee on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, have scheduled their sittings today and on April 2, 2025.

On March 25, the committee will interact with two esteemed guests. First, they will meet Justice D.N. Patel, the Former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

BJP MP and 'One Nation One Election' (ONOE) JPC Chairperson, PP Chaudhary, told ANI on March 18, "In today's meeting, former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve participated, and for three hours, the members interacted with him. The members also interacted with Former Law Commission Chairman of India Ajit Prakash Shah for almost two hours. The meeting lasted for five hours, and it was a very positive meeting. The members sought clarification on various issues."

Former Solicitor General Harish Salve expressed confidence that the ONOE Bill did not violate any Constitutional provision and dismissed allegations that it would harm the federal structure of the country.

Harish Salve heard the members' questions and presented his opinion, stating that 'One Nation, One Election' is Constitutional and that both Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections can be held together, which has happened earlier as well. He also said that there will be no curtailment of voters' rights and that we need to understand these aspects, a source told ANI.

According to sources, the Former Law Commission Chairman of India reviewed the bill but didn't fully support its points; he asked for modifications. The JPC Chairman requested he provide the necessary modifications in writing. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for ONOE is gathering views and constitutional suggestions from all members, and the committee will modify the bill accordingly.

Sources also indicate that the committee will soon launch a website to gather views from different stakeholders. The Opposition leaders also said that the meeting was going very smoothly and that they were discussing and clarifying their queries with the experts. (ANI)