‘One Nation, One Election’ Plan Approved by Modi Cabinet
The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has officially approved the proposal One Nation, One Election for simultaneous elections across the country, unifying the polling process for both Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The decision was announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following the submission of a comprehensive report by a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Roadmap for Simultaneous Elections
The report, which was submitted ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, outlines the steps for implementing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative. The first phase involves holding simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by synchronized local body polls within a 100-day window. This measure aims to simplify the electoral process by reducing the frequency of elections, which currently take place at different intervals, leading to disruptions across various governance levels.
Cost-Effective and Efficient
One of the primary motivations behind the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal is the potential cost savings. Frequent elections place a heavy financial and administrative burden on both the government and election bodies. This initiative promises to cut down on these costs while also reducing the impact of electoral politics on governance.
Prime Minister Modi has been a vocal advocate for this reform, emphasizing that frequent elections hinder the country’s progress. In his Independence Day address this year, Modi stated, “Elections every three to six months create hurdles in the progress of the nation. We must move past this disruption.”
Political Reaction
While the BJP has been a staunch supporter of the initiative, including it as a key commitment in its manifesto for the 2024 general elections, opposition parties remain divided on the issue. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed strong opposition to the plan, stating, “One Nation, One Election cannot work in a democracy. Elections must be held as and when needed to maintain democratic integrity.”
Constitutional Changes Required
To implement simultaneous elections, the panel has recommended 18 constitutional amendments, most of which would not require ratification by state Assemblies. However, certain aspects, such as the introduction of a single electoral roll and single voter ID card, would need approval from at least half of India’s states. These amendments would also require the passage of specific Bills in Parliament.
As the Law Commission of India prepares to release its report on the subject, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan is set to be a significant point of debate in the coming months, especially with the general elections around the corner.