BJP Pushes on with One Nation-One Election and Nationwide Census Despite Political Pushback

In the wake of a less-than-expected performance in the 2024 Parliamentary elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government appears determined to advance its 2014 agenda, according to informed sources. The administration, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains focused on delivering on its key promises from earlier terms, despite reduced numbers in the recent elections.

The BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming tenure includes the ambitious “One Nation-One Election” proposal, which aims to synchronize state assembly elections with parliamentary polls. Sources indicate that the NDA government is resolute in implementing this initiative within its current term and is actively seeking support from other political factions to achieve this goal.

However, the proposal has faced substantial resistance from opposition parties and leaders of states governed by non-BJP administrations. Critics argue that simultaneous elections could centralize power and undermine state autonomy.

Prime Minister Modi has championed the cause of electoral reform, suggesting that simultaneous elections would conserve resources, reduce administrative burdens, and minimize election-related disruptions throughout the year. He has articulated these points during public addresses, including his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, where he called for unified support for the One Nation-One Election concept.

In addition to electoral reforms, the government is reportedly preparing to launch a nationwide Census, a process that has been long-awaited. The inclusion of a caste-based index in the Census remains undecided, with opposition figures like Congress, RJD, and SP demanding its inclusion, while NDA ally Lok Janashakthi Party’s Chirag Paswan also supports this measure. The last Census was conducted in 2011.

As these developments unfold, the government’s plans will likely continue to be a focal point of debate, reflecting broader political dynamics and priorities in the country