The BJP-led NDA government can implement ‘One Country, One Election’ in its current term itself. Sources said that the NDA is confident that this reform will get the support of all parties. This information has come to light on the completion of 100 days of the third term of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources said that unity within the ruling coalition will remain in the remaining term as well. A source said, ‘It will definitely be implemented in this term itself. This discussion is going to be real.’
PM Modi had strongly advocated ‘one country, one election’ in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day last month. He said that frequent elections were hampering the country’s progress. Modi had said, ‘The nation will have to come forward for ‘one country, one election’. The Prime Minister had urged political parties to ensure the progress of the nation from the Red Fort and with the national tricolor as witness.
What suggestions did the committee give
In the election manifesto released by the BJP before the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, it had included ‘One Nation, One Election’ as one of the key promises. A high-level committee was formed under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind. It recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as a first step in March this year. The committee also recommended holding local body elections within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
Law Commission also put forth its side
Besides, the Law Commission may recommend simultaneous elections for all three levels of government – ​​Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats – from 2029. It may also recommend a provision for a unity government in case of a no-confidence motion in the House or indefinite absence of majority. The Kovind Committee did not set any time frame for simultaneous elections. It recommended 18 constitutional amendments, most of which would not require approval from state assemblies.