The Parliamentary Joint Committee reviewing the simultaneous elections Bills met with a group of media personalities and economists on Monday, despite objections from one of its members regarding the inclusion of television anchor Sudhir Chaudhary as a witness.

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Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose raised concerns in a letter to committee chairperson P.P. Chaudhary, questioning the relevance of Sudhir Chaudhary’s participation. She asked what “written or broadcast work” he had produced on the subject that would qualify him to assist the committee. Ghose argued that the panel should instead invite legal correspondents or journalists who have extensively reported on electoral reforms and constitutional matters.

The committee’s engagement with media figures and economists is part of its broader consultation process on the controversial Bills, which propose holding Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections simultaneously. Supporters argue the move would reduce costs and streamline governance, while critics warn it could undermine federalism and weaken regional representation.

The objection highlights growing tensions within the panel over the credibility and expertise of witnesses chosen to advise lawmakers on one of India’s most significant electoral reforms.