Breaking: Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill
The Union Cabinet has approved the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, taking a significant step toward simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This decision follows the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The proposal aims to streamline the electoral process by reducing the frequency of elections, thereby minimizing costs and administrative disruptions.
Speaking to the media, Kovind, who chairs the committee on the issue, said, “The Central government will have to build consensus. This issue is not in the interest of any party but the nation. It (One Nation, One Election) will be a game-changer–it’s not my opinion but that of economists, who believe that after its implementation, the country’s GDP will rise by 1-1.5 per cent.”
Following the Cabinet’s approval, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the decision, calling it a significant step towards enhancing India’s democracy.
“The Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections. I complement our former President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji, for spearheading this effort and consulting a wide range of stakeholders. This is an important step towards making our democracy even more vibrant and participative,” PM Modi posted on X.
Key features include:
- A phased implementation plan starting with Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, later synchronizing local body elections within 100 days.
- A common electoral roll across all levels of government to simplify voter management.
- The need for 18 constitutional amendments, some requiring state ratification.
The bill supporting this proposal is expected to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. While the government highlights benefits like cost savings and uninterrupted governance, opposition parties have criticized the move as impractical and politically motivated.