In a major political move, the Union Cabinet of India has approved the long-debated ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal, which aims to streamline the country’s electoral process by holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. The plan, advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seen as a significant reform that could change the structure of elections in India.
The Proposal of ‘One Nation One Election’ and Its Approval
The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ is not new. It was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for both the 2019 and 2024 general elections. The recent approval by the Union Cabinet is based on recommendations by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which submitted its report in March 2024.
The Kovind-led panel argued that holding simultaneous elections would “transform the electoral process” and improve governance by reducing disruptions caused by frequent elections. According to the panel, synchronizing elections would also lead to cost savings, better resource management, and fewer disruptions to the economy.
Implementation Roadmap
As per the plan, simultaneous elections will begin with the 2029 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. Local body elections are expected to align within 100 days of this. The report suggests a phased approach, starting with a unified voter list for all elections, a system that Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed will be implemented in two stages.
Arguments in Favor
The government’s key argument for ‘One Nation, One Election’ is that it will streamline the electoral process, reduce the financial burden of conducting multiple elections, and prevent the policy paralysis often caused by staggered elections. The ruling party also believes that frequent elections are an unnecessary drain on security forces and public resources. A single election cycle, the panel noted, would provide stability and allow businesses to operate without fear of sudden policy changes driven by electoral needs.
Anurag Thakur, a former Union Minister, pointed out that before 1962, India used to hold simultaneous elections, and the current proposal is a return to that system.
Opposition Concerns
The opposition parties, however, remain skeptical of the proposal. Fifteen political parties, including Congress, have raised concerns. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the move, stating that it is impractical and merely an attempt to divert public attention from real issues. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram echoed this view, arguing that the system is incompatible with the current Constitution and would require at least five constitutional amendments to be implemented.
Regional parties are also concerned that simultaneous elections could overshadow local issues with national ones, putting them at a disadvantage in election campaigns. The high cost of purchasing additional Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has also been flagged, with an estimated expense of ₹10,000 crore every 15 years.
Constitutional Challenges
Implementing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan will require significant amendments to the Indian Constitution. While the BJP has a strong majority in Parliament, many amendments, such as those related to a single electoral roll, will also require ratification by at least half of the states. Despite the challenges, sources within the government remain optimistic, with officials stating that the government is committed to implementing this policy during Prime Minister Modi’s third term.
Public Response
While opposition to the plan remains vocal, the government claims widespread support for the initiative. According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, 80% of respondents in initial discussions backed the idea of simultaneous elections.
The approval of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal marks a significant step towards electoral reform in India. While the government touts it as a measure that will enhance governance and reduce costs, opposition parties fear it could dilute the democratic process. With constitutional hurdles ahead, the proposal will likely remain a contentious issue in Indian politics for the foreseeable future.
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