New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the “One Nation, One Election” Bill, which is expected to be tabled in the ongoing winter session of Parliament this week. Following its introduction, the bill will be referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further review.
The proposal stems from the recommendations of the Ramnath Kovind Committee, which suggests that elections for Parliament and state assemblies should be held simultaneously. Additionally, it proposes that local body elections be conducted within 100 days of the national and state elections, marking a phased implementation approach.
The initiative, which aims to synchronize elections across multiple levels of government, would require 18 constitutional amendments. Several of these amendments will need ratification by at least half of India’s states.
A separate recommendation by the Law Commission advocates for simultaneous elections for all three levels of government: Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, beginning in 2029. The Commission’s proposal also includes provisions for the formation of a unity government in the event of a hung parliament or no-confidence motions.
This move aligns with a key promise made by the BJP in its Lok Sabha election manifesto. However, the proposal has faced opposition from several parties within the INDIA alliance, including the Congress and AAP, who argue that the change could disproportionately benefit the ruling party. On the other hand, key NDA allies, such as JD(U) and Chirag Paswan’s party, have expressed support for the bill.
To ensure a broad consensus, the government plans to consult state assembly speakers, experts, civil society groups, and the public before proceeding. The comprehensive 18,626-page report from the Kovind Committee outlines the two-stage process for implementing simultaneous elections, which would first align Lok Sabha and state assembly elections and later include local body polls.
