New Delhi, Aug 30: The Law Commission of India, in its report to the Centre, said amendments to the Constitution and other statutes are the "barest minimum" requirements for conducting simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

"The Commission is aware of the fact that holding simultaneous elections is not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution. Therefore, it has suggested certain inevitable constitutional amendments," the law panel was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The concept of simultaneous polls, being referred to as 'one nation, one election', gained momentum since 2014 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a necessity to avoid recurring hindrances in governance.

A day before the Law Commission tabled its report, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat reiterated that changes to the Constitution is prerequisite for conducting polls together for the Parliament and legislative assemblies.

While the BJP has called simultaneous polls as the "need of the hour", a divide opinion has emerged from the NDA camp. While the JD(U), LJP and Shiromani Akali Dal have welcomed the move, Shiv Sena has staunchly opposed it.

From the Opposition camp, the Biju Janata Dal and Telangana Rashtra Samithi have supported the call. The Congress and allies, however, have marked their objection, saying it would go against the "federal spirit" of the nation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2018 06:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).