Union Cabinet has approved the “One Nation, One Election” Bill, by clearing the way for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. According to sources, such a law is going to be introduced in the next winter session of the Parliament. The proposed bill will be reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after its introduction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the decision, describing it as a step to reconstruct democracy. The cabinet has approved the suggestions of the High-Level Committee for single window election,” Modi shared on X. He commended the late President Ram Nath Kovind for taking charge and engaging the wide range of stakeholders.
Majority Agrees on One Nation, One Election Bill
The concept, suggested in September involving the presidency of Kovind, aims at breaking down electoral mechanizations all over the country. According to the panel, the first step will fall in the election period of Lok Sabha and state assemblies with local-level bodies to follow after, within 100 days.
Former President Kovind emphasized the need for a national consensus on the proposal, labeling it as a revolutionary act. It is neither in the interest of any political party nor in the interest of the nation. They say it could increase GDP by 1-1.5%,” he added on Wednesday.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan agreed as well and made a comparison to a big mess of inefficiencies caused by frequent elections. “Campaigning disrupts governance. It diverts resources and halts developmental projects. Three months for the election period, not even I, the Agriculture Minister, could focus on my work,” Chouhan said, remarking how much was decisive for development.
The “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) bill aims to reduce financial and administrative costs associated with ballot periodicity and to facilitate continuity of administration. However, consensus creation among political parties is an essential prerequisite for it to become a reality.
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