Union Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election' Report, Opposition Voices Concerns

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved of the Ram Nath Kovind led 'One Nation, One Election' report. The 'One Nation, One Election' propsal seeks to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, along with urban and panchayat polls within 100 days.

The 'One Nation, One Election' proposal was a part of the BJP's manifesto for the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the Opposition criticized it, raising concerns about potential constitutional amendments and practical issues, including the need to shorten the terms of certain state Assemblies to accommodate the new election schedule.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind led the pannel that was tasked with formating a report on the 'One Nation, One Election' proposition. The panel conducted extensive research, examining global best practices and consulting with economists and the Election Commission before finalizing its recommendations.

The panel argues that holding simultaneous elections will "transform the electoral process and governance" while also "optimising scarce resources." It highlighted that 32 political parties and various judicial figures, including former Supreme Court Chief Justices, support the proposition.

The report highlights advantages that include simplifying the electoral process for voters, promoting economic stability, and reducing disruptions caused by frequent elections. The panel contends that synchronized elections would allow businesses to operate without the fear of sudden policy shifts and avoid interruptions in supply chains due to migrant workers taking time off to vote. In addition, the initiative is aimed at "preventing policy paralysis" and eliminating the "atmosphere of uncertainty" that frequent elections can create.

However, the Opposition has criticized it. Congres President Mallikarjun Kharge termed the proposal as "not pragmatic and practical," suggesting it serves as a distraction from pressing issues. He expressed skepticism about its acceptance by the public, stating, "This is not going to succeed... the people will not accept it."

"One Nation, One Election is impractical and unrealistic. Many experts have pointed out that under the current Constitution, this cannot be taken forward," said CPI leader D Raja.

Taking to social media platform "X", AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated that the 'One Nation, One Election' proposition is a "solution in search of a problem." "I have consistently opposed One Nation One Elections because it is a solution in search of a problem. It destroys federalism and compromises democracy, which are part of the basic structure of the constitution. Multiple elections aren’t a problem for anyone except Modi & Shah. Just because they have a compulsive need to campaign in even municipal & local body elections does not mean that we need simultaneous polls. Frequent & periodic elections improve democratic accountability," posted Owaisi.

Currently, only a few states, such as Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha, align their election cycles with the Lok Sabha elections. As Haryana prepares for elections next month, and Jharkhand and Maharashtra follow suit. The opposition warns that cutting short the terms of certain Assemblies could undermine democratic processes, especially given that Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana are among those that conducted assembly elections only last year.