Chennai(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared open Khelo India Youth Games here on Friday and said the government is striving to host the 2029 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Olympic Games in the country.

Welcoming the participants, the prime minister remarked that they were together "showcasing the true spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'" and said that for Indian sports, "the Youth Games is a great way to start the new year 2024".

Lighting the traditional torch to mark the beginning of the games, he said it is estimated that the size of the Indian sports industry in the coming years would touch nearly Rs 1 lakh crore.

Tamil Nadu's hospitality "will win your hearts", he said, adding that the Khelo India Games would certainly provide sportspersons with an opportunity to showcase their skills and also help them make new friendships that last a lifetime.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi also launched 'DD Tamil,' the revamped version of the regional language Doordarshan channel DD Podhigai.

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New Delhi: Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A.P. Shah has told a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) Bill is unconstitutional and violates democratic principles and the federal structure, sources said.

Justice Shah, who is also a former chairman of the Law Commission, submitted a 12-page report while deposing before the JPC on Monday (March 18), The New Indian Express reported. He raised concerns over the bill, particularly regarding the power it grants to the Election Commission to recommend postponing state assembly elections.

Assembly elections must be held for full term: Justice Shah

Justice Shah stated that assembly elections should be held for a full five-year term and expressed skepticism over the claim that simultaneous elections would significantly reduce public expenditure. When asked about alternatives to the bill, he said he would present his views to the committee at a later stage.

Harish Salve defends the bill

Senior advocate Harish Salve also appeared before the JPC and supported the bill, arguing that it aligns with constitutional requirements.

ONOE bills introduced amid opposition resistance

Despite strong opposition citing threats to federalism and the basic structure doctrine, the bills facilitating 'One Nation, One Election' were introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2023.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 after a division vote. The introduction was approved with 269 votes in favour and 198 against.

The bills were subsequently referred to a JPC for further examination.