New Delhi [India], April 22: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on ‘One Nation, One Election’ is set to begin its all-state consultation tour starting from Maharashtra on May 17. The visit aims to gather diverse public opinions on the proposed electoral reform.
Speaking to ANI, JPC Chairman PP Chaudhary said Maharashtra will be the first stop from May 17 to May 18, followed by Uttarakhand (May 19–21). In June, the committee will visit Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Chandigarh, which includes consultations for Punjab and Haryana.
“The committee believes it is important to visit all states and hear opinions from every segment of society—be it celebrities, sportspersons, or the general public—to assess whether this idea is beneficial for the country,” Chaudhary stated.
In efforts to ensure inclusivity and transparency, the JPC will launch a dedicated website to collect suggestions from the public. “Transparency is key. The entire committee is aligned on this. The website will have a QR code feature and support multiple languages, allowing stakeholders from all backgrounds to submit their views,” Chaudhary added.
He acknowledged differing opinions among committee members but remained optimistic. “Everyone has different opinions, even within the committee. But eventually, I believe there will be consensus, as all leaders act in the nation’s interest.”
The JPC’s ongoing meeting includes significant discussions with legal experts. Justice Hemant Gupta (retired Supreme Court judge), Justice SN Jha (former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court), Dr. Justice BS Chauhan (former SC judge and ex-Chairman of the 21st Law Commission), and Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi are participating in the sessions.
An earlier session on March 25 lasted over five hours, during which several MPs voiced concerns about the logistical and constitutional feasibility of conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and state elections.