India, May 20 -- The expert panel on the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' legislation hinted that simultaneous elections, at the heart of the legislation, would be rolled out in phases, beginning with simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Local body elections would be added at a later stage. This was indicated by PP Chaudhary, chairperson of the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on One Nation, One Election, on Monday.

According to a report submitted to the committee, which is on an all-states visit to seek opinions on the proposed legislation, simultaneous elections could save Rs.7,500 crore to Rs.12,000 crore spent by the Election Commission of India during each general election cycle.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, de...