Since coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often advocated holding all elections together, from Lok Sabha to state assemblies and local bodies. He argues that this will orient various elected bodies fully towards the development of the nation.
One Nation, One Election: The recommendation to hold national and state elections simultaneously is an important step towards making India's democracy even more vibrant and participative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised former President Ram Nath Kovind for leading the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections after the Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' recommendations. "This move is a significant step toward strengthening India’s democratic process," said PM.
The Union Cabinet has approved the report on 'One Nation, One Election' which was submitted by the panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, The Committee has recommended the transition to simultaneous elections in two phases.
'One Nation, One Election': The Union Cabinet has approved the "One Nation, One Election" proposal, aiming to synchronise Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. This initiative, advocated by PM Modi, seeks to reduce costs, administrative burdens, and voter fatigue.
AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owasi objected to the Cabinet approval of the One Nation, One Election. He said that it would destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.
Earlier on March 14, 2024, the panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted an extensive report of 18,626 pages to President Draupadi Murmu regarding the 'One nation-One election' system.
A panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind recommended simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.
The Ram Nath Kovind panel submitted the report on One Nation One Election to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The panel has recommended "necessary amendments to the Constitution" in order to introduce the idea of simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha, state Assemblies and local bodies.
The Report comprises of 18,626 pages, and is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023.
A high-level panel led by former president Ram Nath Kovind was constituted in September last year. The committee has held two meetings since then and has also sought the views of the political parties on conducting simultaneous polls.
In the first meeting of the committee in September, the panel outlined the modalities of the committee and decided to invite recognised national parties, parties having government in states, parties having representatives in Parliament, and other recognised state parties to seek their suggestions.
The Centre constituted a committee to discuss the possibility of holding simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections ahead of the five-day special session of the Parliament held last month.
World Culture Festival 2023: Among the many art forms presented was a traditional Ukrainian song conducted by renowned Ukrainian musician Olena Astasheva, who had left her motherland due to the war.
First meeting of 'One Nation, One Election' committee to be held on September 23
BJP chief J P Nadda had met ex-president Ram Nath Kovind soon after the latter was tasked with the responsibility of heading a committee to explore the feasibility of “one nation, one election”, which was the case till 1967.
According to an official release, former President Ram Nath Kovind has been appointed as Chairman of the committee. Apart from the chairman, there are seven members in the committee.
The Centre on Thursday formed a committee for 'One Nation, One Election' under the leadership of former president Ramnath Kovind. BJP chief JP Nadda, in this regard, also met the former president at his residence.
Speculations are around that the government may introduce 'One Nation One Election' bill in the special session of the Parliament which has been called by the Centre from September 18-22. Let's take a look at what the Law Commission 2018 report said on conducting simultaneous elections.
With the Opposition consolidating its presence and unity ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in 2024, the move was branded a "distraction" by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
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