The BJP-led NDA government plans to implement ‘one nation, one election’ during its current tenure, with sources expressing confidence that the reform will gain support from all political parties.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term in the NDA government marks 100 days in office, sources have indicated that the unity within the ruling alliance will persist throughout the remainder of the tenure. “Definitely, it will be implemented in this tenure itself. It will be a reality,” one source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In his Independence Day address last month, the prime minister made a strong pitch for ‘one nation, one election’, contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country’s progress.
“The nation must come forward for ‘one nation, one election’,” Prime Minister Modi said during his address from the Red Fort. He urged political parties “from the Red Fort, with the national tricolour as a witness, to work together for the nation’s progress.”
He also asked the parties to ensure that national resources are used for the common person and said, “We have to come forward to realise the dream of ‘one nation, one election’.”
‘One nation, one election’ is one of the key promises made by the BJP in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections.
A high-level panel, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, recommended in March this year that simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies should be the first step, followed by synchronized local body polls within 100 days.
Separately, the Law Commission is expected to recommend holding simultaneous elections for all three tiers of government — Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats — starting from 2029. It may also suggest a provision for a unity government in cases of a hung house or no-confidence motion.
The Kovind panel has not specified a timeline for the rollout of simultaneous polls. It has suggested the formation of an ‘Implementation Group’ to oversee the execution of the panel’s recommendations.
The panel has recommended 18 constitutional amendments, most of which will not require ratification by state assemblies. However, these changes will need specific Constitution amendment bills that must be passed by Parliament. (PTI)