The Centre on Thursday formed a committee for 'One Nation, One Election' under the leadership of former president Ramnath Kovind. On Thursday, it was speculated that the central government may introduce the 'One Nation, One Election' bill during Parliament's special session from September 18 to 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing this idea to hold assembly and general elections simultaneously. A move which will bring down the cost of holding elections and also save time for governance.
Assembly polls are due in five states in November-December and they will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections in May-June next year. However, the recent moves by the government have thrown open the possibility of advancing the general elections and some state polls, which are scheduled after and with the Lok Sabha contest.
Soon after the announcement, reactions started pouring in. BJP called it a historic step and said this was done country's interest.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said no matter how many diversions and distractions the ruling regime throws at the people, they shall not be betrayed anymore.
Shiv Sena leader(UBT) and MP Sanjay Raut said that the Centre have brought this to postpone Opposition's demand for a fair election. "One nation, one election is fine, but there should be a fair election. They (Centre) have brought this to postpone our demand for a fair election. Mujhe lagta hai yeh ek shadyantra hai chunaav aage dhakelne ke liye."
Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, "It's very difficult to comment about speculations, but assuming that they want to bring One Nation, One election... our system is not like the American system. If one particular state Assembly comes, you can't have elections in the entire country."
Former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath said, "For this, not just an amendment in the Constitution but also approval of states is also needed. In BJP-ruled states like Haryana and Maharashtra, they can decide and pass a proposal in the Cabinet to dissolve their respective assemblies...You can't just cut short the duration of a State assembly, it doesn't work like this..."
