Today, On 18th September, The Modi government accepted the recommendations of the Kovind panel for the “One Nation, One Election” initiative. The panel, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, suggested holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. This initiative aims to reduce resource expenditure and enhance development efficiency. The Union Cabinet’s approval marks a significant step toward implementing the proposal.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, On Wednesday, approved the recommendations of the Kovind Panel to move forward with the implementation of the “One Nation, One Election” plan, a key focus for the Modi government in their third term.
The report, prepared by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, presented to the Union Cabinet for consideration.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that simultaneous elections previously conducted between 1951 and 1967. He further noted that the recommendations from the Kovind panel will be discussed widely across India on various platforms.
Vaishnaw also mentioned that an implementation group will be established to advance the suggestions made by the Kovind panel regarding simultaneous elections. During his Independence Day address last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly advocated for “One Nation, One Election,” stressing that frequent elections were hindering the country’s progress.
As the Modi government’s third term marks 100 days, Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Tuesday that the “One Nation, One Election” plan will be implemented during this term.
Meanwhile, the Law Commission expected to propose synchronized polls across three levels of government Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats by 2029. The Commission also considering provisions for unity governments in cases of hung houses or no-confidence motions.
In the first phase, the committee recommends holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously, allowing voters to elect both national and state representatives in one election. The second phase would follow, with local body elections, including panchayat and municipal polls, taking place within 100 days of the general elections.
To enhance efficiency, the committee suggests using a common electoral roll for all elections, streamlining the voting process and reducing errors in voter registration.
The panel also emphasizes the importance of transparency and inclusiveness, proposing nationwide discussions with stakeholders to refine the plan based on feedback. To oversee the implementation of these recommendations, the committee calls for the formation of an Implementation Group, ensuring a smooth transition to simultaneous elections.
Read Also: BJP Manifesto 2024: CAA, Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election
Opposition leader and MP from Hyderabad, Assaduddin Owaisi, criticized the approval of “One Nation, One Election,” stating that it “destroys federalism and compromises democracy.”
He argued,
“The multiple elections aren’t a ‘problem’ for anyone except Modi and Shah.”
A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary procedure used to express that a majority of members of a legislative body no longer have confidence in the leadership or government in power. If passed, it typically results in the resignation of the government or the dissolution of the legislative body, triggering new elections.
In parliamentary systems like India, a no-confidence motion is often directed against the Prime Minister and their Cabinet. If a majority of the members of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) support the motion, the Prime Minister and their government are required to resign, leading to the formation of a new government or fresh elections.