Rama Krishna Sangem
A day after Ganesh idols were immersed in the country, PM Modi pushed for one more of his pet scheme, One Nation, One polls, meaning simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and the state assemblies. Opposition Congress and some other parties like TMC and DMK have rejected the idea and termed it an assault on federalism and rights of the states. Still the move is expected to be a big game-changer in Indian politics.
In a significant move towards conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday (September 18) approved the proposal for the ‘One Nation One Election’ plan. The Bill facilitating these concurrent polls could be introduced during the winter session of Parliament, several media outlets reported.
Speaking to the media, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that simultaneous elections would take place in two phases. The first phase will include the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, followed by local body elections in the second phase, within 100 days of the first.
Earlier in March, a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind had submitted its report on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, which advocates for the alignment of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
The panel, established in September 2023, reviewed international practices, consulted 39 political parties, economists, and the Election Commission of India. While expressing support for the concept, the committee emphasised the need for a legally sound approach to adjust and synchronise the current electoral schedules.
What is ‘One Nation, One Election’?
In simple terms, this proposal suggests that all voters in India would cast ballots in both the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections within the same year, though not necessarily at the same time.
Currently, a few states like Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha hold state elections concurrently with the national elections. The remaining states, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, follow an unsynchronized five-year election cycle.
Implementing synchronised elections across India presents multiple challenges. These obstacles range from logistical and financial issues to constitutional, legal, as well as practical considerations, given the country’s size and regional diversity.
To make this shift, constitutional amendments are necessary. These amendments would need approval from all state and union territory governments, as well as, possibly, major political parties. Legal experts caution that without changes to five key constitutional articles, the proposal could face opposition for potentially violating India’s federal structure. We need to wait and see the response of JDU and LJP to this proposal.
