Wed Sep 18 14:12:48 UTC 2024: ## India Moves Towards ‘One Nation, One Election’ as Cabinet Approves Proposal

**NEW DELHI:** The Indian government has taken a significant step towards implementing the controversial ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy, with the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approving a proposal to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

This move, long championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aims to hold all national and state elections simultaneously, potentially reducing the frequent election cycles that the government argues hinder policy implementation and create uncertainty.

The decision follows recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which concluded that frequent elections negatively impact governance and policy decisions. The committee’s 18,626-page report, a culmination of extensive consultations and research, is expected to be introduced as a bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

The government contends that this reform will bring greater efficiency and reduce the financial burden associated with multiple elections. They also assert that widespread public support for the proposal will likely pressure opposition parties to reconsider their stance.

However, the proposal has faced criticism, with opposition leaders like Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge arguing that it is impractical and serves as a diversionary tactic from real issues. They express concerns about potential manipulation and voter disenfranchisement.

The proposal includes constitutional amendments, some of which require ratification by state assemblies. Other changes, like the creation of a single electoral roll and voter ID card, need approval from at least half of the states.

The Law Commission is also expected to release its own report on simultaneous polls, which might recommend holding elections for all levels of government, including local bodies, starting in 2029.

The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has a long history, with its initial proposal dating back to the 1980s. The implementation of this ambitious plan, however, remains a contentious issue, with both supporters and detractors voicing their arguments as the nation awaits its fate in the upcoming parliamentary session.

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