New Delhi – The Union Cabinet has cleared the bill for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal on Thursday, marking a significant step towards the government’s long-standing push for simultaneous elections in the country. The move comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have repeatedly championed the initiative, asserting that it will “strengthen democracy” by streamlining the electoral process.
In a statement, the Prime Minister explained the necessity of the proposal, citing how elections are often held in different states and constituencies throughout the year, disrupting development work. “Elections are held at different places every few months and it hampers the developmental work. Therefore, it is a must to have deep study and deliberation on ‘One Nation, One Election,’” he said.
PM Modi further emphasized that a single voters’ list should be used for all elections, including those for the Lok Sabha, state Vidhan Sabhas, and local bodies. “Why are we wasting time and money on these lists?” he questioned.
The concept of “One Nation, One Election” was first highlighted in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which also promised a common electoral roll to simplify the voting process.
Call for Coordination Among State Institutions
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of coordination between the three branches of government—the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. He noted that the Constitution defines the roles and responsibilities of each institution, and said that proper alignment between them is crucial for the effective functioning of democracy.
PM Modi Slams Congress Rejection
Earlier, in response to the Congress party’s rejection of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, Prime Minister Modi launched a strong criticism, accusing the opposition of not being able to accept its electoral defeat. “Congress has not been able to digest victory. They have not been able to accept the defeat. I do not consider this to be a healthy sign in a democracy. We are seeing this same attitude when it comes to discussing ‘One Nation, One Election’,” Modi remarked.
While acknowledging that people may have differing opinions on the idea, the Prime Minister called for an open and constructive discussion on the matter. “Yes, people may not like the idea or have inputs on this. But, it is important to present these ideas and have a discussion on the subject,” he added.
Kovind-led Committee’s Report
The government’s push for ‘One Nation, One Election’ follows a detailed examination of the issue by a high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. In September 2023, the central government constituted the panel to study the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections across the country.
The 18,626-page report was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu in March 2024. The panel, which included legal experts, former Chief Justices of India, as well as former Chief Election Commissioners, reviewed various aspects of the proposal to offer their insights and recommendations.
Moving Forward
The passing of the bill by the Union Cabinet paves the way for further deliberations and discussions in Parliament, where the proposal will likely face rigorous scrutiny. Supporters of the initiative argue that it will reduce the financial burden of holding multiple elections and provide stability for long-term development plans, while opponents fear it could dilute regional voices and concentrate too much power at the center.
As the debate continues, all eyes will be on how the legislative process unfolds in the coming months.
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