New Delhi, Sept 05: The concept of “One Nation One Election” has been a hot topic in Indian politics for decades, and recent developments have once again brought it to the forefront.
The Central Government’s decision to form a committee, headed by former President Ramnath Kovind, to explore the feasibility of holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections has generated significant interest and debate. As India gears up for a special session of Parliament from September 18 to 22, the discussion surrounding this idea is intensifying.
“One Nation One Election” is not a new concept. It was first proposed by the Election Commission in 1982 and received endorsement from the Law Commission in 1999. However, it has gained renewed attention since the Narendra Modi government of the BJP-led NDA assumed power at the Centre in 2014. This ambitious idea has also found support from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003 and senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani in 2010.
While the concept of simultaneous elections has garnered in-principle support across political parties, concerns remain regarding its practical implementation. Various bodies, including the Law Commission, Niti Aayog, the standing committee on law and justice, and the Election Commission (EC), have favored the idea, citing its potential to enhance governance by reducing the perpetual enforcement of the model code of conduct during election periods.
In this article, we will explore the implications of “One Nation One Election” and analyze why five specific states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Mizoram, and Chhattisgarh—could see early polls if the Lok Sabha elections are advanced.
The Case for “One Nation One Election”
The primary argument in favor of “One Nation One Election” is the potential to streamline the election process and reduce disruptions caused by frequent elections. Currently, India experiences elections at various levels throughout the year, leading to the imposition of the model code of conduct. This code places restrictions on the government’s decision-making capabilities, impeding the efficient functioning of the administrative machinery.
Supporters of “One Nation One Election” contend that it would:
- Save time and resources: Conducting elections separately for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies is a resource-intensive process. Simultaneous elections would save time, money, and manpower.
- Improve governance: The constant enforcement of the model code of conduct disrupts the implementation of policies and schemes, impacting governance. Streamlined elections would lead to better administration.
- Increase voter turnout: Frequent elections can lead to voter fatigue. Simultaneous elections may boost voter participation as people will not have to go to the polls as frequently.
- Ensure better coordination: Simultaneous elections can lead to better coordination between central and state governments, as their tenures will align.
The implementation of “One Nation One Election” is not without its challenges. It would necessitate amendments to several articles of the Indian Constitution, including:
- Article 83 (Duration of Houses of Parliament): This article determines the maximum duration of the Lok Sabha (five years). Simultaneous elections would require changing this duration.
- Article 85 (Sessions of Parliament, Prorogation, and Dissolution): This article outlines the procedures for convening Parliament sessions, prorogation, and dissolution. Aligning the Lok Sabha elections with state elections would necessitate changes here.
- Article 172 (Duration of State Legislatures): Similar to Article 83, this article deals with the maximum duration of state legislatures.
- Article 174 (Sessions of State Legislature, Prorogation, and Dissolution): This article pertains to state legislative assemblies and would require modifications for simultaneous elections.
- Article 356 (President’s Rule): Changes in this article would be needed to account for the possibility of simultaneous elections during the President’s Rule.
Also Read: Tripura Bypoll: Minister Pratima Bhoumik Expresses Confidence in BJP’s Victory After Casting Vote
Early Polls in 5 States
If the concept of “One Nation One Election” receives approval from Parliament, it could lead to early elections in several states whose Assembly terms are set to expire around the time of the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. Here are the five states that could see early elections:
- Madhya Pradesh: The Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are due by January 2024. If the Lok Sabha elections are advanced, the state could choose to align its Assembly elections with the national polls.
- Rajasthan: Rajasthan is in a similar situation as Madhya Pradesh, with its Assembly elections due by January 2024. The state government may opt for early polls to synchronize with the Lok Sabha elections.
- Telangana: Telangana’s Assembly elections are also scheduled for January 2024. Like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the state could decide to hold early elections in line with the national election cycle.
- Mizoram: Mizoram’s Assembly elections are due in December 2023, making it one of the earliest states to go to polls. If the Lok Sabha elections are advanced, Mizoram could see early elections.
- Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh’s Assembly elections are due in January 2024, putting it in a similar position to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The state government might opt for early elections to align with the Lok Sabha polls.
Schedule of the completion of the terms for states and Union Territories: Full list
- Mizoram: December 2023
- Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana: January 2024
- Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim: June 2024
- Haryana, Maharashtra: November 2024
- Jharkhand: December 2024
- Delhi: February 2025
- Bihar: November 2025
- Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal: May 2026
- Puducherry: June 2026
- Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand: March 2027
- Uttar Pradesh: May 2027
- Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh: December 2027
- Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura: March 2028
- Karnataka: May 2028
There is still no clarity on the completion of the term of Jammu and Kashmir UT, which was formed after the erstwhile Assembly was dissolved in 2018.
