Why simultaneous elections may be a good idea for India

The plan makes imminent sense from the perspective of cost and governance, but its implementation will require addressing legal and political challenges.

Nine assembly elections, local body elections in four states, and, again, a handful of by-elections (to both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies). That was 2023.

Bengaluru: People wait in queues to cast their votes for the 2nd phase of Lok Sabha polls at a polling station at Rajarajeshwari Nagar, in Bengaluru, Friday, April 26, 2024. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) (PTI04_26_2024_000061B) (PTI)

Seven assembly elections, local body elections in seven states and the Union territory of Delhi, and a handful of by-elections (to both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies). That was 2022.

Five assembly elections, local body elections in at least nine states, and, yet again, a handful of by-elections (to both the Lok Sabha