India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the significance of implementing the ‘One Nation, One Election‘ initiative, a key promise outlined in the BJP‘s electoral manifesto. During a media interview, PM Modi affirmed that the pursuit of this policy stands as a firm commitment of his administration. He noted the formation of a committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, tasked with crafting a comprehensive report on the matter. The Prime Minister also highlighted the constructive engagement of various stakeholders, highlighting the influx of positive and innovative suggestions towards this endeavor, which, if realized, he believes, will greatly benefit the nation.
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The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been prominently featured in the BJP’s electoral agenda, which was recently unveiled in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Union Ministers. The manifesto underscores the establishment of a High-Powered Committee to delve into the complexities surrounding simultaneous elections and pledges to actively pursue the recommendations arising from its findings, including the creation of a unified electoral roll.
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Initiated by the central government in September of the previous year, a high-level Committee was tasked with examining the feasibility of ‘One Nation, One Election’ and formulating actionable recommendations. The comprehensive report, spanning over 18,000 pages, stands as a culmination of extensive consultations, expert insights, and meticulous research conducted over a period of 191 days. Delving into the adverse consequences of simultaneous elections on various facets of governance and societal dynamics, the report advocates for synchronized electoral processes at multiple levels.
Among the key recommendations put forth by the Committee is the synchronization of Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections, followed by the integration of local body elections within a stipulated time frame of 100 days post the national and state polls. Moreover, in scenarios of political deadlock, where a hung House prevails, provisions for conducting fresh elections to ensure the continuity of democratic governance have been delineated. Accompanying these proposals is the necessity for constitutional amendments to facilitate the seamless implementation of the recommended electoral reforms.
Comprising eminent personalities such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah; former Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad; and other distinguished figures, the Committee underscores a collective commitment towards realizing the vision of ‘One Nation, One Election.’ Their concerted efforts, supplemented by extensive deliberations and expert insights, stand as a testament to the earnest endeavor to fortify India’s democratic framework and streamline its electoral processes for greater efficiency and coherence.
