New Delhi: In a major step forward, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet has approved the proposal to implement the 'One Nation, One Election' policy across India. The idea, proposed by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, aims to streamline elections by holding simultaneous polls for both the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies. This decision has sparked questions about who will benefit from this change and how it will affect the political scenario in different states.
The Proposal's Impact on Indian States
The implementation of the 'One Nation, One Election' policy will bring significant changes to how elections are conducted. If passed during the upcoming winter session of Parliament, the bill will pave the way for synchronizing all elections across the country, making it a single, coordinated process. As a result, the nation may see its first fully synchronized elections by 2029, when the next Lok Sabha polls are scheduled.
This change will not be without its challenges. States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Telangana, where elections are due soon, could face delays. The government will likely need to form a working group to manage this transition, ensuring that the process runs smoothly.
Support and Opposition
The 'One Nation, One Election' policy has gained backing from several key political players. The Janata Dal United (JDU) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have expressed support for the proposal, signaling their readiness for simultaneous elections. However, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Chandrababu Naidu, has not yet voiced a clear stance on the issue.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leads the push for the policy, there are many who question the practicality of holding all elections at once. These discussions are expected to take place in various forums across the country over the coming months.
Which States Will Be Most Affected?
If the proposal goes through, the political landscape in several states will see significant shifts. States like Bihar, Karnataka, Delhi, Goa, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Puducherry, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal will need to hold their elections earlier than scheduled.
This shift will also place an additional burden on political parties, as they will have to prepare for both state and national elections simultaneously.
No Impact on Odisha and a Few Others
Interestingly, some states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh will see little to no change. These states have already been conducting their Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections together, meaning that the proposed law will not disrupt their current election schedules.
The Road Ahead
The path to implementing 'One Nation, One Election' will involve detailed discussions and careful planning. A new executive committee will be formed to take forward the recommendations of the Kovind committee, and extensive consultations will be held across political and social platforms. The success of this proposal could reshape India's election process, making it more streamlined and less resource-intensive.
However, it remains to be seen how this massive change will affect the democratic process in India, where elections are a cornerstone of political engagement. While it promises efficiency and reduced costs, the challenge will be to ensure that it enhances the democratic experience without compromising on representation and fairness.