Wed Sep 18 15:50:29 UTC 2024: ## One Nation, One Election: Cabinet Approves Kovind Panel Report, Congress Criticizes
**New Delhi, September 18, 2024:** The Union Cabinet has unanimously approved the report of a high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which advocated for “One Nation, One Election,” a system of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
The report, submitted in March, also recommended synchronizing local body elections within 100 days. To implement these recommendations, the panel proposed the formation of an “Implementation Group.”
The decision comes as part of the Law Ministry’s 100-day agenda and has received widespread support, according to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
However, the Congress party has criticized the proposal, calling it impractical and a diversionary tactic from real issues. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the BJP raises such proposals when elections are approaching.
The Kovind panel highlighted the benefits of simultaneous polls, including resource conservation, accelerated development, social cohesion, strengthening democratic foundations, and realizing the aspirations of a united India.
The report also recommended the creation of a unified electoral roll and voter ID cards by the Election Commission, in collaboration with state authorities. To achieve this, the panel proposed 18 constitutional amendments, with most requiring parliamentary approval. However, some changes concerning the single electoral roll and voter ID card will need ratification by at least half of the states.
Separately, the Law Commission is expected to submit its own report on simultaneous polls soon, potentially recommending elections for all three tiers of government (Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies) beginning in 2029. The commission may also propose a provision for a unity government in case of hung Assemblies.
First Piper 