India to Implement 'One Nation, One Election' During Modi Government's Current Term
The BJP-led NDA government plans to introduce simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies to streamline governance and reduce costs.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for 'One Nation, One Election' in his recent Independence Day speech, citing frequent polls as a barrier to progress.
- A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind has recommended simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies as a first step.
- The Law Commission is expected to endorse the proposal, which aims to synchronize local body polls within 100 days of state and national elections.
- The BJP has included the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative in its manifesto and is confident of gaining cross-party support for the reform.
- Opposition parties have raised concerns about constitutional issues and the logistical challenges of aligning electoral cycles across different levels of government.