Political decision must on suspension for interim polls under the concurrent electoral system: Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee

PP Choudhary, Chairman, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Concurrent Elections. File | Photo credit: ANI

The decision on the definition of “rest of term” for the Lok Sabha or state assembly before elections will be a political one, taken in consultation with political parties, PP Choudhary, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on One Nation, One Election, said on Monday (May 16, 2026).

“Assuming the government loses its majority after two-and-a-half years, mid-term elections can be held for the remaining two-and-a-half years. However, a decision must be made for a situation where the majority is lost six months or three months before the end of the term. The decision on the cut-off date for determining the remainder of the term will have to be a political decision in Mr. Choudhar’s press statement.”

He was speaking after consultations with various stakeholders on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territory Laws (Amendment) Bill on the issue of concurrent elections. He suggested that an amendment to the anti-browsing legislation would also be necessary, while the president’s rule could also be used for the rest of the term.

Asked about a situation where a broken mandate prevents government formation, he said there is a mechanism to resolve such a situation. “A broken mandate can be in any system. There have been various proposals as to how synchronization can be achieved. There are discussions going on for the rest of the term.”

Pointing out that the 93rd Amendment to the Constitution for local bodies applies to the rest of the term, he said, “If this can be achieved at the grassroots level, why can’t it be incorporated at the level of state assemblies and parliament? There could be an option to elect the chief minister by the assembly as well.”

“Nowhere in the world do you see elections for five to six assemblies every year. Everyone is affected in the chain. The programs do not reach the people. The teachers are burdened with election work. It is important that the elections are held together.” He pointed out that general and state assembly elections were held simultaneously in four elections between 1952 and 1967.

“The cycle has been disrupted due to the imposition of President’s rule and emergency and the creation of new states. We cannot underestimate voters. They are vigilant, especially in rural areas. Even though they express their preferences publicly, they know who to vote for at the state and national levels. In the past, voters voted for different governments when simultaneous elections were held,” he said.

On another question whether it will be a ‘One Nation One Party’ system, Mr. Choudhary asked, “Do you think what happened between 1952 and 1967 was for one party? The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is not proposing it. The Election Commission recommended it in 1980; the Law Commission of India has recommended parliamentary elections three times in the past; 2015.”

He said some parties have taken different positions on the matter but ultimately it is a public policy in the national interest. “In a democracy, it is the will of the people and the parties will have to change their position based on the will of the people.

Published – 19 May 2026 01:28 IST