The government has appointed former president Ram Nath Kovind as the head of a committee that will explore the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies, sources said on Friday.
New Dehli- The announcement comes a day after the government convened a special session of Parliament from September 18 to 22, without disclosing the agenda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal advocate of the idea of one nation, one election, arguing that it would save time, money and resources, and ensure stability and continuity in governance.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from several political parties, who have raised concerns about the erosion of federalism, the loss of regional diversity and the impact on voter choice.
The committee headed by Kovind will examine the legal, constitutional and logistical aspects of holding simultaneous polls, and consult various stakeholders, including political parties, election commission, state governments and civil society groups.
The panel is expected to submit its report by December this year, sources said.
The government's decision to form the committee comes at a time when several states are gearing up for assembly elections later this year, followed by the Lok Sabha polls next year.
Some political observers have speculated that the government may advance the general elections and club them with some state polls, which are due around the same time or shortly after.
