‘One Nation, One Election’ Cleared by Modi Cabinet for Simultaneous Polls

In a historic move, the Union Cabinet approves simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, paving the way for unified voting across India.

The Union Cabinet has given the green light to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, aligning elections for both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies announced, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday. This significant decision follows the submission of a report by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which was presented earlier this year.

The Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections. I compliment our former President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji for spearheading this effort and consulting a wide range of stakeholders.

This is an important step towards making our…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2024

The report outlines a comprehensive plan for the phased implementation of simultaneous elections, beginning with national and state polls and eventually incorporating local body elections within 100 days. The primary goal is to streamline the electoral process, reduce the frequency of elections and cut the financial and administrative costs associated with holding frequent, staggered elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal advocate for this initiative. During his Independence Day speech, he highlighted the disruptions caused by frequent elections, arguing that they impede the nation’s progress and complicate the implementation of long-term policies. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also featured this policy as a cornerstone of its 2024 general election manifesto.

While the proposal has garnered strong support within the BJP, it faces opposition from several political parties. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced his party’s objection, stating, “One Nation, One Election cannot work in a democracy. Elections should be held as required to ensure democratic survival.” Kharge also criticized the move as an attempt to divert public attention from pressing issues.

The panel’s recommendations include 18 constitutional amendments, many of which may not need ratification from state Assemblies. However, some, such as those related to a single voter ID and electoral roll, will require approval from at least half the states. The Law Commission of India is expected to release its report on the matter soon.

Despite resistance from 15 parties, including Congress, the government remains committed to pushing forward with the ‘One Nation, One Election’ framework. Whether the proposal gains broader political consensus remains to be seen, as debates continue over its practicality and impact on Indian democracy.