The government has formed a committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind to study the feasibility of having “one nation, one election.” This means that Lok Sabha elections could be held together with state assembly elections. The opposition bloc INDIA, who were meeting in Mumbai, were surprised by this decision and criticized it as a threat to the country’s federal structure.
During the “special session” of Parliament from September 18-22, group photos of MPs will also be taken. This has led to speculation that this session could be the last meeting of the 17th Lok Sabha and that general elections may be advanced.
Kovind will be exploring the possibility of having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, as was done until 1967. He will be speaking to experts and consulting leaders of different political parties to gather their input.
The government has not revealed the agenda for the special session, but it is clear that discussions about advancing general elections will be taking place.