New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) bill a transformative initiative designed to facilitate simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies.
This move, recommended by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, promises to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and ensure uninterrupted governance and development.
The ONOE proposal aligns with the BJP’s manifesto promise, before Lok Sabha elections, to reform the electoral system, aiming to save public funds, reduce election fatigue, and foster uninterrupted development.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday underscored the need for ONOE, citing frequent elections as a hurdle to India’s progress. Speaking at an event during the International Gita Festival in Kurukshetra, Chouhan highlighted how year-round election preparations hinder public welfare and development works.
“But there is one hurdle in India’s progress and development, which is frequent elections. Any other thing may be happening or not in the country, but election preparations continue for twelve months all five years,” he said. “Leaders of all parties remain engaged in the race to win elections, leaving little time for governance,” he remarked.
The minister also pointed out the financial and administrative burden of frequent polls, involving significant expenses for the Election Commission, political parties, and candidates, as well as disruptions to governmental functions. Chouhan called for a constitutional amendment to synchronise elections, urging public and political consensus on the issue.
The central government had earlier, in September, accepted the recommendations of the Kovind-led high-level committee, which suggested a phased implementation of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. The move is seen as a step towards fostering efficiency in governance and minimising the fiscal and administrative burdens caused by frequent elections.
The ONOE bill is expected to be tabled in the Parliament soon, with debates likely to revolve around its feasibility and the constitutional amendments required to implement it. If passed, the bill could bring a transformative shift to India’s electoral and governance landscape.
