MIM opposes idea of simultaneous polls
Hyderabad, June 30: Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) has opposed the proposal to hold simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies, saying it is a solution in search of a problem.
MIM President Asaduddin Owaisi made the party's stand clear in a letter to the Law Commission of India, which is consulting political parties and other stakeholders before making its final recommendations on the issue of simultaneous elections.
The Hyderabad MP described the issue of simultaneous elections as a "solution in search of a problem". He said no attempts were made so far to analyse if there was a need for simultaneous elections. Instead, certain logistical difficulties - such as the expenditure in holding elections - are being projected as sufficient enough reasons to wholesale amend the basic structure of the Constitution.
"I would like to emphasise that constitutional principles of collective responsibility and legislative oversight of executive cannot be sacrificed at the altar of efficiency and stability. It is not possible privilege convenience over constitutional guarantees," he wrote.
The MP said it must be noted that parliamentary democracy and federalism are part of the basic structure of the Constitution. These features of the Constitution cannot be amended away by the legislature in any circumstances, let alone for the sake of saving public expenditure.
"Moreover, it is unclear that any significant public interest is served by conducting simultaneous elections," the MIM chief added.
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National Synodal Assembly 2026 begins in Bengaluru with over 220 delegates
Bengaluru: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) on May 1 inaugurated its National Synodal Assembly 2026 at St. John’s Medical College, bringing together more than 220 delegates from across the country under the theme Synodal Pilgrims of Hope.
The assembly is part of the global synodal process initiated in 2021 by Pope Francis, which calls for greater participation, dialogue and shared responsibility within the Church. In India, the process has involved consultations at diocesan, regional and national levels.
Participants at the assembly include two Cardinals, 25 Bishops, 65 priests, more than 20 women religious, and over 100 lay faithful, including youth and women leaders.
The gathering began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Filipe Neri Ferrão. In his homily, he described the assembly as a moment of grace and discernment and called on delegates to walk together in prayer, listening and missionary commitment.
He spoke about the importance of the Risen Christ in the mission of the Church and urged the faithful to be witnesses of the Gospel. Referring to the conversion of St Paul, he said every baptised person has a role in spreading the message of Christ. He also highlighted the example of St Joseph the Worker, stressing the dignity of labour and the call to holiness in everyday life.
The formal inauguration included the invocation of the Holy Spirit through Veni Creator Spiritus and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Deputy Secretary General Fr. Stephen Alathara welcomed the delegates and described the gathering as a spiritual journey.
In his presidential address, Cardinal Ferrão referred to the CCBI pastoral plan titled Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033 and called on participants to build on the vision outlined at the 36th Plenary Assembly held in Bhubaneswar in 2025.
Delegates will reflect on four key themes identified from 16 pastoral priorities: interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding, inclusion of the excluded, poverty and integral ecology, and support for children and youth.
The discussions are being conducted through a method of spiritual conversation aimed at encouraging listening, dialogue and collective decision-making. The focus is on translating these discussions into practical actions within the Church.
The assembly also looks ahead to the Jubilee Year 2033, which will mark 2,000 years of the Redemption, and aims to strengthen the Church’s mission in the coming years.
Further consultations are scheduled for September 2026, with the process expected to conclude at the 38th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI in January 2027.
Organisers said the assembly seeks to strengthen unity within the Church and promote participation of all sections, including women and youth, in shaping its future direction.
