Maharashtra News: Panel Reviewing 129th Amendment Bill Explores Feasibility Of Simultaneous Elections; RBI, Political Leaders Raise Concerns

Mumbai: The joint committee examining the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, held wide-ranging consultations in Maharashtra to assess the feasibility and impact of holding simultaneous elections.

During its visit to the state, the committee engaged in detailed discussions with government officials, senior bureaucrats and representatives from both national and regional political parties. These conversations focused on the administrative and economic implications of synchronising elections. State officials assured the committee that a comprehensive analysis would be undertaken, particularly to evaluate potential effects on sectors such as education.

Former CM Prithviraj Chavan and other leaders flagged constitutional and logistical hurdles in the simultaneous elections proposal. Their feedback will be considered as part of the committee’s ongoing assessment.

In a separate meeting, RBI officials said they will study how staggered polls affect monetary policy. Major banks, LIC, GIC and NABARD agreed to jointly examine the impact on banking and credit.

Findings from all consultations will feed into the committee’s final report on the feasibility of holding national, state, and local elections together.