Cabinet clears ‘One Nation, One Election’; bill likely to be introduced in upcoming Winter Session of Parliament

Modi government advances ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal

In a significant step toward electoral reform, the Narendra Modi government has approved the report from a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, endorsing the ‘One Nation, One Election‘ initiative. A bill to facilitate simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies is expected to be introduced in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament.

This landmark decision aligns with the Modi government’s 100-day agenda, which emphasizes the importance of synchronizing elections to enhance governance and efficiency. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly highlighted the challenges posed by a continuous election cycle, stating that the country “pays a price” for being in a perpetual election mode.

The Kovind-led panel, which submitted its report in March, recommended the creation of a common electoral roll and unified voter ID cards by the Election Commission, in collaboration with state election authorities. The panel articulated that conducting simultaneous polls would conserve resources, eliminate procedural hurdles, and support the aspirations of a united “India, that is Bharat.”

While the ruling government lauds this proposal as a forward-thinking approach to streamlining the electoral process, the Opposition has expressed skepticism. Parties such as Congress and AAP have criticized the initiative, claiming it undermines democratic practices and could lead to a shift towards a presidential style of governance.

Historically, the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ dates back to the 1980s. Simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were successfully held in the early 1950s and again in the 1960s. However, this cycle was disrupted by the premature dissolution of several assemblies.

With this recent approval, the Modi government aims to revitalize the electoral framework, ensuring that the focus remains on governance rather than constant campaigning. The introduction of this bill marks a crucial milestone in the government’s commitment to electoral reform and efficient administration in India.

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