Two economists presented arguments supporting simultaneous elections before the Joint Parliamentary Committee Thursday. Arvind Panagariya from the Finance Commission explained that India conducts 13 election cycles within five years, with one held every four and half months. The Model Code of Conduct repeatedly disrupts government policy development, procurement processes, and constitutional operations. Panagariya argued that Constitution makers would have preferred the constitutional amendment approach if they had foreseen continuous polling cycles. Academic research indicates that government spending increases before elections, creating higher fiscal deficits and instability.
Surjit Bhalla, former IMF Executive Director, identified state elections rather than national polls as the primary concern. He emphasized that frequent separate elections create financial burdens the nation cannot sustain. The economist linked election cycles to increased violence and economic costs for migrant workers. Bhalla stated that Model Code restrictions affect state governments more significantly than central administration. Both experts concluded that unified elections would reduce instability while promoting democratic reforms.
Surjit Bhalla, former IMF Executive Director, identified state elections rather than national polls as the primary concern. He emphasized that frequent separate elections create financial burdens the nation cannot sustain. The economist linked election cycles to increased violence and economic costs for migrant workers. Bhalla stated that Model Code restrictions affect state governments more significantly than central administration. Both experts concluded that unified elections would reduce instability while promoting democratic reforms.
