<h1>Panel Consults Stakeholders on Bills for Simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Elections Amidst Opposition Concerns on Constitutionality</h1> A parliamentary panel is consulting various stakeholders, including the Election Commission, former chief justices, political parties, and state governments, on bills proposing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Opposition members have requested verbatim records of meetings, a demand not typically aligned with parliamentary norms. The panel, chaired by a ruling party member, plans to gather input from diverse groups, including constitutional experts and academic institutions. The government argues that simultaneous elections could enhance development and reduce costs, while opposition parties criticize the proposal as unconstitutional. The committee, which may extend its tenure, aims for a comprehensive consultation process.