Union Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal

The Indian Union Cabinet has unanimously approved a report by a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. This committee was tasked with exploring the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections, an initiative termed ‘One Nation, One Election’. The report was initially submitted in March 2024, in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the media, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the proposal for simultaneous polls garnered widespread support, with the Cabinet fully endorsing the committee’s recommendations. These recommendations include conducting Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections concurrently, followed by synchronized local body elections within 100 days.

The committee further suggested setting up an ‘Implementation Group’ to oversee the execution of these recommendations. In response, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the practicality of the plan, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using such proposals to divert attention from pressing issues during election times.

The committee outlined several benefits of simultaneous elections, such as resource conservation, enhanced development, and the strengthening of democratic foundations. It also recommended developing a common electoral roll and voter ID system in collaboration with state election authorities. Implementing these changes would require numerous constitutional amendments, though most may not need ratification by state assemblies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a strong proponent of this initiative. The Law Commission is expected to soon issue its report on simultaneous polls, potentially recommending elections for all government tiers, including the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, to start from 2029.