Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election' Proposal Led by PM Modi
New Delhi, Sept. 18 — The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially approved the proposal for "One Nation, One Election," paving the way for simultaneous elections in India. This decision follows the approval of a report presented by a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Committee Formation and Responsibilities
The Modi government had established the "One Nation, One Election" committee during its previous term, assigning it the task of exploring the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections across the country. The committee submitted its comprehensive report to President Droupadi Murmu in March this year.
Cabinet Discussion and Approval
During a Cabinet meeting, the report was discussed and received theoretical approval. The recent press conference by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the government's achievements over the past 100 days, including the push for this electoral reform.
Recommendations of the Committee
The committee's recommendations include:
- Conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously in the first phase.
- In the second phase, conducting local body elections alongside Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
- Maintaining a single voter list for all elections across the country.
- Standardizing voter ID cards for all citizens.
Government's Stance
Union Home Minister Shah reiterated the government's commitment to implementing the "One Nation, One Election" system during its current term. This proposal aligns with the promises made in the BJP's manifesto, and Prime Minister Modi had also mentioned it during his Independence Day speech.
While the current government supports the initiative, there is significant opposition from various political parties who are against simultaneous elections. The path to implementation remains complex, requiring careful navigation of political sentiments and legal frameworks.
The approval of the "One Nation, One Election" proposal marks a significant step in India's electoral reform journey, although its execution will require extensive discussions and consensus among various stakeholders. The Cabinet's decision is a clear indication of the government's commitment to streamline the electoral process in the country.
