The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘one nation, one election’ initiative, proposing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, urban bodies, and panchayats, all to be conducted within a 100-day window.
This push is based on a panel report led by former President Ram Nath Kovind and will require an amendment to the Constitution, which must be ratified by all states and union territories.
Key Points of the Proposal
Streamlined Electoral Process: It aims to make voting easier by synchronizing elections at all levels.
Economic Growth: The panel claims that simultaneous elections will promote economic growth and reduce policy disruptions for businesses and corporate firms.
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Reduced Disruption: The measure could help avoid disruptions caused by frequent elections, such as supply chain and production cycles affected by migrant workers taking leave to vote.
Avoiding Policy Paralysis: It aims to eliminate the uncertainty created by continuous electoral cycles, potentially leading to more stable governance.
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Opposition to the Proposal
As many as 15 parties, including the Congress, have opposed the one nation, one election push. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge described it as “not pragmatic and practical,” arguing that it is an attempt to divert public attention.
The proposal will now be tabled in Parliament, needing approval from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to become law. If it passes, it could mark a significant shift in India’s electoral landscape.
