The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the long-awaited ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills. These bills, which aim to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (national parliament), state assemblies, and local bodies across India, are set to be introduced in Parliament during its ongoing Winter Session. This approval marks a significant step in the government’s push for electoral reform, a proposal that the BJP has championed for years.
What is ‘One Nation, One Election’?
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal seeks to hold national, state, and local elections in the same year, or ideally, at the same time. This would streamline the electoral process, reduce voter fatigue, and minimize political instability caused by frequent elections. A high-level panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind recommended the idea in March 2024, arguing that holding simultaneous elections would save costs and reduce the financial burden on both the government and political parties.
Bills Approved by the Cabinet:
Constitutional Amendment Bill: This will facilitate simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies.
Bill for Union Territories: This bill will synchronize elections in Union Territories like Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir with national and state assembly elections.
These bills will now be introduced in Parliament, and the government intends to refer them to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further review.
BJP’s Support and the Proposal’s Benefits:
The BJP has long supported simultaneous elections, highlighting the potential benefits such as reduced election costs, political stability, and improved governance. Supporters argue that holding elections together will ease the burden on voters, save resources, and ensure a more predictable political environment.
Opposition to the Proposal:
However, the proposal has sparked strong opposition. Regional parties, including Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), argue that simultaneous elections would marginalize regional issues and centralize power. Critics also claim the move could erode federalism, with Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin labeling the bill as ‘draconian.’
Historical Context and Challenges:
India held simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies until 1967. Since then, elections have been held separately. Reintroducing simultaneous elections will require constitutional amendments, a process that could face significant challenges.
Marksmen View
While the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills offer potential efficiencies, the controversy surrounding them highlights deep concerns about India’s democratic balance.
