One Nation One Election proposes holding Lok Sabha and all state assembly elections simultaneously, instead of the current staggered cycle. The plan is being examined through two bills: the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The 129th Amendment Bill proposes a new Article 82A and changes to Articles 83, 172 and 327. Article 82A is the centrepiece: it sets a framework for synchronising Lok Sabha and assembly polls, including rules for premature dissolution and unexpired legislative terms.

Supporters argue simultaneous elections would cut the huge cost of repeated polls, reduce the strain on security forces and government machinery, and limit the repeated imposition of the Model Code of Conduct that stalls policy decisions.

Critics raise federalism concerns: what happens if a state government falls mid-term? The bill provides for elections only for the remainder of the term in such cases. Opposition parties also argue it could overshadow regional issues with national ones. The proposal would need ratification by states and could face judicial review, which is why the Supreme Court declined the parliamentary panel’s request for an informal interaction with sitting judges.