NEW DELHI: The Indian government has announced its exploration of the 'one nation, one election' proposal, potentially signaling the prospect of early Lok Sabha polls. This proposal, which has been a subject of debate and discussion in recent times, is gaining traction on the national political stage.
Sources privy to this development have informed news agency PTI that a dedicated committee has been constituted to delve into the feasibility of implementing the 'one nation, one election' concept. This committee, headed by President Ram Nath Kovind, has been entrusted with the task of assessing the practicality of synchronizing the Lok Sabha elections with a series of state assembly contests.
The committee under President Kovind's leadership will scrutinize the viability of such an endeavor and devise a mechanism to restore the tradition of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, a practice that persisted until 1967, as per these sources. The President is expected to engage with experts in the field and may also seek counsel from leaders representing various political parties.
Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized that the committee's findings will be subjected to thorough discussion within the mature and deliberative halls of Parliament. He reaffirmed India's democratic credentials, highlighting the nation's ability to evolve and adapt. He also hinted at discussing the agenda of a Special session of Parliament convened for September 18 to 22.
Notably, upcoming assembly elections are scheduled in five states—Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Rajasthan—in November-December, to be followed by the Lok Sabha elections in May-June the following year. Furthermore, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh assemblies are slated to go to the polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.
Speculation regarding early Lok Sabha elections has surged, fueled by this announcement, which came merely a day after the government called for a Special session of Parliament, the specifics of which remain undisclosed.
However, the opposition has voiced skepticism about the 'one nation, one election' proposal, with some critics suggesting that the ruling BJP might be harboring apprehensions about the current political landscape. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed his reservations, stating, "The country is already unified; is anyone questioning that? We demand transparent elections, not 'one nation, one election.' This concept is being introduced to divert attention from our demand for fair elections."
Similarly, Congress leader Bhai Jagtap underscored the need for extensive deliberation on the 'one nation, one election' proposal. He viewed this move as an indicator of the BJP's concerns about the political climate, saying, "This demonstrates that the BJP is anxious about India, which is why they are pursuing this initiative."
Since ascending to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a staunch advocate of simultaneous elections, including those at the grassroots level. He has cited the financial strain caused by frequent elections and the disruption to development initiatives during election periods as compelling reasons for this proposal. President Kovind has echoed these sentiments and expressed support for the idea since assuming office in 2017.
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