Modi Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Plan

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan, aimed at conducting simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies across the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision on Wednesday, following the submission of a report by a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. This report, submitted in March, was presented to the Cabinet ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The panel’s recommendations, approved unanimously by the Cabinet, outline a roadmap for implementing simultaneous elections. It suggests starting with concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by synchronised local body polls within a 100-day period. The proposal seeks to streamline India’s electoral process, aiming to reduce the frequency of elections and lower the financial and administrative costs associated with them.

Also Read: शाहरुख और सलमान की जोड़ी इस बड़े प्रोजेक्ट में लाएगी धमाल

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long advocated for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative. In his Independence Day speech this year, he highlighted how frequent elections disrupt governance and hinder the nation’s progress. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also included this policy as a key commitment in its manifesto for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

Also Read: इस्तीफा के बाद अरविंद केजरीवाल छोड़ेंगे सरकारी आवास और सुविधाएं

The panel proposed 18 constitutional amendments to facilitate simultaneous elections, with most not requiring state Assembly ratification but needing constitutional amendment Bills passed by Parliament. Additionally, changes like a single electoral roll and a single voter ID card will require approval from at least half of the states. The Law Commission of India will soon release its report on the subject.