Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for widespread debate and consultations on simultaneous elections for Parliament and State Assemblies.

Addressing the fourth meeting of NITI Aayog’s Governing Council in New Delhi, Mr Modi flagged the issue of simultaneous elections at the central and the state level, citing its multiple benefits.

Briefing reporters after the meeting NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar said, Prime Minister noted that the country remains in perpetual election mode and suggested that there could be one uniform voter list for all elections.

NITI Aayog had last year suggested synchronised, two-phase Lok Sabha and assembly polls from 2024 so as to ensure minimum ‘campaign-mode’ disruption to governance. Elections Commission and Law Commission are examining the issue.