Lecture on ‘One Nation, One Poll: A Constitutional Perspective’

Chandigarh, November 29, 2023: The Department of Political Science celebrated the Constitution Day at Panjab University, Chandigarh. On this occasion the department organised a lecture on ‘One Nation, One Poll: A Constitutional Perspective’. Delivering the lecture Dr Ashutosh Kumar presented the background of the proposal to have simultaneous elections.

Dr Kumar argued that given the severity of the complexity, likely focus is going to be on how the LokSabha and Assembly elections can be held simultaneously rather than the local government bodies. Even for that, multiple amendments would be required. Since the proposal involves centre-state relations and federalism has been identified as the basic feature of the Constitution, judicial review of the amendment acts shall be a major factor. Dissolving the existing state legislative assemblies before completion of their tenure or dismissal of the elected government enjoying majority would invite judicial scrutiny. What seems doable is to make an attempt to club as many assembly elections as possible to be held together or with the LokSabha elections in one go and hope that the verdicts favor formation of a stable government. Even for realizing this, there is need of wider consultation across the parties and the constituent states. This is not visible if one considers the composition of the Panel or the unilateral push for the move on part of the present government.

Professor Pampa Mukherjee, the chairperson organized the lecture which was attended by the students and researchers of the department.