On December 12, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the One Nation, One Election bill, a significant step towards synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. The government is expected to introduce this comprehensive bill during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

The approval follows the acceptance of recommendations by a high-level committee set up in September 2023, which suggested holding simultaneous elections in a phased manner. This move aims to reduce the financial burden and logistical challenges of conducting elections separately, while also ensuring smoother governance by avoiding frequent disruptions due to election-related activities.

The Rationale Behind the Bill

The government has been advocating for One Nation, One Election, arguing that the current system, with elections held at different times, leads to inefficiency, wastage of resources, and delays in governance. Repeated elections often result in the imposition of the model code of conduct, which hampers development work across the country. The government believes that conducting simultaneous elections will help in saving time and resources, while also providing a more stable political environment. Sources indicate that the government intends to build a consensus around the bill and may refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further discussions. The JPC will engage representatives from all political parties to ensure broad-based support. Additionally, the government plans to involve a wide range of stakeholders, including intellectuals, state assembly speakers, and the general public, to gather input and feedback on the proposal.

Background and History of One Nation, One Election

The concept of One Nation, One Election has been under discussion for several years. To explore its feasibility, the government formed a high-level committee in 2023, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee's task was to examine the potential challenges and benefits of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

After extensive consultations with political parties, experts, and other stakeholders, the committee submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu in March 2024. From 1952 to 1967, elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were held together. However, the system was disrupted after 1968-69 due to the dissolution of state assemblies, which led to separate election cycles. The proposal now is to reinstate this system, with elections for all levels of government held every five years.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Support

On Wednesday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly endorsed the idea of One Nation, One Election. Speaking at the International Gita Festival in Kurukshetra, he argued that frequent elections were hindering the nation’s progress.

Chouhan emphasized that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is moving towards becoming a global leader, but the constant election preparations and disruptions are a significant challenge. He said, "A glorious, prosperous, and powerful India is being built under the leadership of the Prime Minister. But there is one hurdle in our progress: frequent elections. While other things may or may not be happening, election preparations are ongoing throughout the year."

Implications for the Future

The approval of the One Nation, One Election bill marks a crucial step in transforming India’s electoral process. If implemented, it will streamline election cycles, optimize resources, and potentially enhance governance. However, it also requires careful planning and consensus-building, as the success of simultaneous elections will depend on the cooperation of all political parties and stakeholders. As the bill moves forward in Parliament, it will likely continue to spark debates on its feasibility and impact on India's democratic processes.