Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Join Simultaneous Polls JPC: Sources

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 18 : According to sources, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) established to evaluate the simultaneous polls legislation is anticipated to include Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, MPs Manish Tewari, Sukhdeo Bhagat, and Randeep Surjewala. The opposition and the government engaged in a heated debate over the contentious measures that were introduced in the Lok Sabha. 

Congress Strongly Opposes the Bill

Priyanka Gandhi had previously criticized the proposed legislation, describing it as "anti-constitutional" and an attack on India's federal structure. "It is in direct opposition to the federalism of our nation." She declared, "We are against the bill." The proposals were unanimously rejected by the Congress-led opposition, which included the DMK, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party, as they were deemed detrimental to state powers.

Mamata Banerjee Proposes TMC Names

Kalyan Banerjee, Lok Sabha MP, and Saket Gokhale, Rajya Sabha MP, have been nominated to the JPC by the Trinamool Congress, which is commanded by Mamata Banerjee. The commission is anticipated to explore the critical specifics of the proposed simultaneous elections framework, given the current state of political tensions.

Government Defends the Proposal

The measures do not interfere with the powers of the state, as clarified by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Home Minister Amit Shah underscored that the legislation would be subjected to a thorough examination by the JPC prior to its return to the House for additional discussion, in response to apprehensions. "The JPC is capable of conducting in-depth discussions." The Cabinet will authorize the JPC's report. Shah assured Lok Sabha members that the legislation would be the subject of a discussion in the House.

Bill Faces Divided Support

The measures were introduced after a division of ballots, with 263 MPs in favor and 198 against. The measure was supported by 32 political parties, while 15 parties opposed it. The legislation aims to align assembly and general elections, a move that the government claims will simplify governance. However, opposition parties have expressed harsh criticism, citing constitutional concerns.

The future of the simultaneous polls measure is uncertain, with significant implications for India's electoral process, as heated debates persist and the JPC prepares to deliberate.

 By Manasa Permulla