Thu Sep 19 11:09:45 UTC 2024: ## One Nation, One Election: Constitutional Amendments Needed, But Will BJP Get the Support?
The Indian government’s ambitious “One Nation, One Election” plan, which aims to synchronize general elections with state assembly elections, faces significant hurdles, including the need for extensive constitutional amendments.
The Union Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on the proposal, but implementing it requires amending at least five articles of the Constitution. This includes provisions related to the duration of Parliament and state assemblies, the power of the president to dissolve state governments, and the process for electoral roll preparation.
Legal experts and political observers argue that these amendments are essential to ensure a smooth transition to simultaneous polls. However, passing these amendments requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which the ruling BJP-led NDA may not have.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have voiced concerns about the potential impact on the country’s federal structure. They argue that altering the fixed terms of state assemblies could undermine the autonomy of states and potentially lead to political instability.
The proposal to introduce a single electoral roll and a single voter ID card, which would replace existing state-level electoral systems, also raises concerns about the possible impact on the power of local governments.
While the government is confident about the feasibility of the proposal, the lack of a clear majority in Parliament, along with the potential constitutional hurdles, suggests that the path to “One Nation, One Election” will be fraught with challenges.
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