After the call for special session of the parliament the from September 18 to 22, the government has constituted a committee on One Nation One Election headed by former President Ramnath Kovind. The announcement has came after Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the upcoming five sittings in a tweet on X (previously Twitter). “Amidst Amrit Kaal, looking forward to having a fruitful discussion and debate in Parliament,” he remarked.
Up until now, government has remained mum about any potential plans.
Sources have indicated that a committee has been established to investigate the feasibility of enacting legislation related to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative. Prior to this, the proposal had been reviewed by a parliamentary standing committee, the Law Commission, and Niti Ayog, each of which had submitted their respective reports on the matter. The government has scheduled a Special Session of Parliament from September 18 to 22, raising expectations that a bill regarding this proposal may be introduced during this session.
As five states are set to hold elections later this year, with more to follow in the lead-up to the General Elections in 2024, there is growing speculation that ‘One Nation, One Election’ could become a reality in the near future. If implemented, this would entail simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across India, with voting occurring concurrently.
Historically, simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha were held until 1967. However, subsequent to that period, certain legislative assemblies were dissolved prematurely in 1968 and 1969, followed by the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1970, necessitating changes to electoral schedules for states and the country.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had included in its 2014 election manifesto the intention to explore the possibility of simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha. In December 2022, the Law Commission sought input from political parties, the Election Commission of India, bureaucrats, and experts regarding the proposal for simultaneous elections in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election.’ In November 2020, while addressing a conference of presiding officers, he emphasized the necessity of this approach, citing the frequent elections in India as a hindrance to development and an unnecessary financial burden.
However, the opposition INDIA alliance, which is working on a joint strategy to counter the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, has expressed objections to the proposal. Leaders like Shiv Sena UBT faction leader Sanjay Raut argue that India is already a united nation and demand fair elections rather than ‘One Nation, One Election.’ Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ramgopal Yadav has called for a thorough discussion on the subject, expressing concerns that the government may rush the decision through a special session.
With the recent establishment of the committee under President Kovind’s leadership, there is an anticipation that the government will expedite the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal.
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