Wed Sep 18 15:13:05 UTC 2024: ## India Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Plan, Aiming to Streamline Electoral Process

**New Delhi:** The Union Cabinet of India has given its approval to a proposal for holding simultaneous elections across the country, aligning polls for both the Lok Sabha (parliament) and state assemblies. The decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, comes after a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report recommending the “one nation, one election” plan.

The report, which was unanimously approved by the Cabinet, outlines a roadmap for implementing concurrent elections, starting with the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls followed by synchronized local body polls within a 100-day period.

The proposal aims to streamline India’s electoral process, reducing the frequency of elections which currently occur over multiple years at different levels of governance. Proponents argue this will also be a cost-saving measure, significantly reducing the financial and administrative burden of frequent elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal supporter of the initiative, citing the “disruption” caused by frequent elections as a hindrance to national progress. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also included this policy as a key commitment in its manifesto for the 2024 general elections.

However, the proposal has drawn opposition from some political parties. Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge voiced his disagreement, stating that “One Nation One Election cannot work in a democracy.” He argued that elections should be held as and when required to preserve the country’s democratic system.

The committee’s report recommends 18 constitutional amendments, most of which will not require ratification by state assemblies. However, certain amendment bills would need to be passed by Parliament. Some proposed changes regarding the single electoral roll and single voter ID card would require ratification by at least half of the states.

The Law Commission of India is expected to release its own report on the subject soon. The implementation of this plan, which requires significant legislative changes and potential constitutional amendments, is expected to face challenges and spark debate within India’s political landscape.

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