“Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people.” Discuss.

Advantages of Simultaneous Election

1. Continuity in Governance - frequent election divert attention from governance → application of Model code of conduct stalls welfare measures.

2. Reduced expenditure on elections According to ADR Report around ₹60,000 crore were spent in 2019 election.

3. Reduced state expenditure by: → Reduced requisition of poll premises, central Armed police forces etc.

4. Deburdening Election commission of India.

Argument against simultaneous election

1. Decline of parliamentary accountability → As Lok Sabha or state legislative assemblies would be bound by constructive vote of no confidence.

2. Decline in importance of state level issues which would be merged with national issues.

3. Aversion of Regional parties to such scheme.

4. Constructive vote of no confidence i.e. government would not fall unless Lok Sabha could provide another government may be unconstitutional, against Article 75.