Wed Dec 17 16:11:49 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary

Harvard economist Gita Gopinath and economist Sanjeev Sanyal have presented their views to a Parliamentary Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes simultaneous elections in India. Both economists generally support the idea of holding Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections at the same time, citing potential economic benefits such as reduced policy uncertainty, increased infrastructure spending, and governmental stability. However, Gopinath cautioned against the logistical complexities and high costs based on Indonesia’s experience with simultaneous elections. She recommends a review of Indian states already holding simultaneous elections to identify best practices. Sanyal added that these types of elections would reduce expenditure overall.

News Article:

Simultaneous Elections Could Boost Indian Economy, Experts Tell Parliament Committee

New Delhi, December 17, 2025 – Holding simultaneous elections for both state and national legislatures in India could provide a significant boost to the nation’s economy, according to testimony delivered to a Parliamentary Joint Committee today. Harvard economist Gita Gopinath and economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, presented their views on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes synchronizing elections.

Gopinath, a former chief economist at the IMF, stated that aligning Lok Sabha and Assembly elections could reduce policy uncertainty and spur economic activity, citing international research showing that pre-election uncertainty slows investment. She noted that the Model Code of Conduct, which restricts new projects during staggered polls in India, exacerbates this issue. States that already hold simultaneous elections have demonstrated stronger post-election growth, she added.

Sanyal echoed these sentiments, arguing that staggered elections impose “significant economic costs due to repeated disruptions in policy continuity” and that synchronizing polls could enhance governmental stability and long-term decision-making.

However, Gopinath cautioned against potential pitfalls. Drawing on Indonesia’s 2024 experience with fully simultaneous elections, she warned of potential risks, including record spending, logistical burdens, and high staffing needs. She recommended a systematic review of states within India that already hold simultaneous elections, such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, to assess cost-effectiveness and identify best practices.

While both economists agreed on the potential economic advantages, Gopinath emphasized the need for careful planning to mitigate logistical challenges. Sanyal also added that the primary goal of these types of elections would be to reduce overall expenditure. The Parliamentary Joint Committee will continue its review of the bill, taking into account the expert testimony.

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