The Union Cabinet of India on Wednesday has approved the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, which aims to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Addressing with media persons, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said simultaneous polls would be held in two phases. The first phase will cover Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections, while the second phase will cover local body elections, within 100 days of the first phase.
This decision follows the acceptance of a report by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which was formed to explore the feasibility of such a system. The report, submitted earlier this year, spans over 18,000 pages and includes insights from various stakeholders and experts.
The government plans to introduce a bill regarding this proposal in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that frequent elections hinder national progress, advocating for this initiative as a means to streamline governance and policy-making.
While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies support this move, opposition parties have expressed skepticism regarding its practicality. Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that the implementation of “One Nation, One Election” is a priority for the current government term.
The main opposition party of India Congress opposes “One Nation One Election” which approved by Union Cabinet today. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “We don’t stand with this. One Nation One Election cannot work in a democracy. Elections need to be held as and when required if we want our democracy to survive.”
On Mallikarjun Kharge’s remark Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, “The opposition might start feeling internal pressure (about One Nation One Election) as more than 80% of respondents who responded during consultant process have given their positive support, especially the youth, they are very much in favour of this.” News agency ANI reported it.
( With inputs from agencies)
