With the Narendra Modi cabinet approving the bill for simultaneous elections across the country, and the Central government preparing to introduce it in the Lok Sabha, a heated debate has erupted in Andhra Pradesh's political circles over whether the elections will take place in 2027.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) firmly believes that simultaneous elections will be held in 2027, implying that the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh will not last beyond that year.
Addressing a party meeting in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, YSRCP general secretary V Vijay Sai Reddy called on party workers to prepare for simultaneous elections in 2027.
However, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reiterated that his government will serve a full term, with state assembly elections scheduled for 2029, if the Parliament passes the bill for simultaneous polls.
Reports from New Delhi suggest that even if the Parliament passes the Constitutional Amendment Bill for “One Nation, One Election,” simultaneous elections will not happen immediately. According to the provisions of the bill, the process will only begin in 2034.
The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was circulated on Friday night after being approved by the Union Cabinet on Thursday, specifies that the provisions of the amendment will come into effect on an “appointed date.”
This date will be notified by the President after the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following the next general election.
As per the bill, the “appointed date” will be set after the next Lok Sabha elections in 2029, with simultaneous elections starting in 2034.
Furthermore, it states that the tenure of the Lok Sabha will be five years from the appointed date, and all legislative assemblies elected after this date will align their tenure with that of the Lok Sabha.
This means Naidu’s government can rest easy for now. If the TDP secures re-election in 2029, Naidu could potentially remain in power until 2034 without any interruptions.