The Union Cabinet has given its approval for holding simultaneous elections across India, combining both Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls, as announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday.
This decision comes after months of discussions, following the submission of a report by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The report, presented to the Cabinet, outlines a detailed plan for implementing the ‘one nation, one election’ policy. The committee suggested that the first phase should involve concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by local body elections within a 100-day timeframe.
The proposal aims to simplify India’s electoral system by reducing the frequency of elections, which currently occur over staggered periods. It is also expected to cut costs and lessen the administrative challenges associated with frequent elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long advocated for the ‘one nation, one election’ approach, emphasizing its importance during his Independence Day speech. Modi pointed out that frequent elections disrupt the country’s progress and tie government initiatives to election cycles.
The BJP has included this initiative as a key commitment in its manifesto for the 2024 general elections. However, the plan has received mixed reactions. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced opposition, stating that “One Nation, One Election” is incompatible with democracy, and that elections should be held as necessary to maintain democratic integrity.
The panel has recommended up to 18 constitutional amendments to facilitate the process, many of which do not require state Assembly approval but will need to be passed by Parliament. Some changes, like a unified electoral roll and voter ID system, will require ratification by at least half of the states.
