After Modi, Niti Aayog pitches for simultaneous LS, Assembly polls

NEW DELHI: The Niti Aayog has favoured synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly elections from 2024 to ensure “minimum campaign mode disruption” in governance.

            The Government think tank said it would be in the national interest to hold simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, and suggested formation of a group of experts to devise how it could be done.

            “We may begin work towards switching to a synchronised two-phase election from the 2024 election to the Lok Sabha. This would require a maximum one-time curtailment or extension of (the tenure of ) some state assemblies,” it said.

            Noting that it is in in the national interest to hold simultaneous polls, the Niti Aayog said a focused group of stakeholders comprising constitutional and subject matter experts, think tanks, Government officials and representatives of various political parties should be formed to work out appropriate implementation related details.

            “This may include drafting appropriate Constitution and statutory amendments, agreeing on a workable framework to facilitate transition to simultaneous elections, developing a stakeholder communication plan and various operational details,” it said in its “Three Year Action Agenda, 2017-18 to 2019-20”. (AGENCIES)