Cabinet Greenlights Poll Reform: What 'One Nation, One Election' Means

In a historic move to transform India's electoral landscape, the Union Cabinet has approved the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative. Based on recommendations by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, the proposal seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. Aimed at reducing the frequency of polls and ensuring smoother governance, this ambitious reform is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

One Nation, One Election: Two Bills Cleared to Enable Simultaneous Polls

The Cabinet has approved two key legislative measures:

• A Constitution Amendment Bill: Proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

• An Ordinary Bill: Aligns elections for the assemblies of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir with the national electoral cycle.

Both bills will undergo detailed scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is expected to be constituted soon after their introduction in Parliament.

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A Legislative Push for Poll Reform

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition parties have issued three-line whips for MPs to attend key sessions on December 13 and 14, when the bills are expected to be introduced. Sources indicate that after their introduction, the bills will be referred to the JPC for detailed discussions.

Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA plans to launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the benefits of synchronized elections, including cost reduction and uninterrupted governance.

Key Objectives and Recommendations

The 'One Nation, One Election' initiative aims to:

• Minimize frequent electoral disruptions to governance.

• Reduce election-related costs and administrative burdens.

• Streamline policy implementation by synchronizing poll schedules.

Recommendations by the Kovind Committee:

• Phased implementation of simultaneous elections.

• Legal and logistical frameworks to address challenges.

• Conducting local body elections within 100 days of national and state polls.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed confidence in implementing the reform during the current government's tenure.

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Political Reactions: A Sharp Divide

The initiative has drawn mixed reactions from political stakeholders:

Supporters:

• NDA allies like JD(U) and Lok Janshakti Party have endorsed the proposal, praising its potential to enhance governance efficiency.

• Regional parties such as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Shiromani Akali Dal, and Ghulam Nabi Azad's Democratic Progressive Azad Party have also extended support.

Opposition:

• INDIA bloc parties, including the Congress and AAP, have criticized the initiative, citing concerns over federalism and potential centralization of power.

• Critics argue the reform may undermine India's diverse democratic fabric, with variations in state priorities and assembly tenures posing significant challenges.

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Implementation Plan: Phased Rollout

The government envisions a two-stage implementation:

• Stage One: Synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

• Stage Two: Aligning local body elections with the unified poll cycle.

This phased approach aims to mitigate logistical and legal hurdles, ensuring a smooth transition to synchronized elections.

What's Next for 'One Nation, One Election'

The bills' introduction marks the start of an extensive legislative process. The JPC will play a critical role in addressing complexities, building consensus, and refining the framework for implementation.

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The 'One Nation, One Election' proposal symbolizes a transformative vision for India's democratic system. However, its success hinges on resolving constitutional, logistical, and political challenges. As Parliament debates this bold reform, the coming months will shape the future of India's electoral processes.