As law ministry backs one poll, opposition MPs demand data on claims
law ministry's presentation on the need for 'one nation one poll' before the first meeting of the parliamentary panel saw participation from both BJP and Opposition MPs, with members questioning various aspects of the two bills proposed on conducting simultaneous polls.
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The 39-member joint parliamentary committee witnessed almost full attendance, which is not very usual in House committee meetings. Opposition members posed searching questions on whether these bills violate basic doctrines, go against the spirit of federalism and how state legislatures could be considered 'subordinate' to the national legislature. The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill were introduced in the Lok Sabha during the winter session and referred to the committee.
However, at one point some ruling MPs echoed the Opposition MPs — this was when empirical data was sought on how simultaneous polls could impact per capita GDP.
Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, questioned the claim that simultaneous polls would reduce expenditure. She suggested that all reports and estimates were from the pre-EVM era. The Opposition MPs specifically asked if any estimates were laid out following the 2004 Lok Sabha elections when EVMs were used for the first time in all 543 seats and are believed to have
