Fri Dec 20 15:53:45 UTC 2024: ## BJP MP Chaudhary Heads JPC on Simultaneous Elections Bill, Opposition Remains Skeptical

**New Delhi:** BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary has been appointed chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with examining the controversial “One Nation, One Poll” bill, the Lok Sabha Secretariat announced today. The JPC, initially composed of 31 members, has been expanded to 39 following concerns raised by opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), over inadequate representation. While the committee now includes a member from Shiv Sena (UBT), notably absent are representatives from Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party.

The expanded committee, which includes prominent figures like former Union Ministers Anurag Thakur, Parshottam Rupala, and Manish Tewari, as well as first-term MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sambit Patra, will investigate the feasibility of amending the Constitution to allow for simultaneous national and state elections. The JPC is mandated to submit its report by the first day of the final week of the next parliamentary session.

The bill, approved by the cabinet last week, has faced significant opposition. Critics argue that simultaneous elections would disproportionately favor the ruling party, potentially undermining the autonomy of regional parties and influencing state-level electoral processes. Despite the government’s aim for broad-based participation, the JPC’s composition continues to spark debate and fuels opposition concerns about a fair and impartial review.

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