Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th September. The Narendra Modi government has once again defied political expectations and conventional analysis by approving the landmark proposal for simultaneous elections across India. This move, often referred to as ‘one nation, one election’, is set to significantly reshape the electoral landscape of the country. What makes this decision particularly striking is that it comes despite concerns from political analysts who predicted that Modi’s government, in its third term, would shy away from such bold policy changes. Many believed that, given the coalition support from JD(U) and TDP, such decisions would be kept on hold, fearing it could destabilize the alliance.
However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated a consistent determination to push through significant reforms, even when faced with opposition or skepticism from coalition partners. This latest move is no exception, and it marks a defining moment in India’s political strategy.
The Road to ‘One Nation, One Election’
The idea of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and state Assemblies is not new, but its implementation has always faced logistical and political challenges. The recently approved proposal by the union cabinet follows months of high-level discussions and deliberations, culminating in a report submitted by a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. This committee’s findings offered a clear framework for how the plan could be implemented in phases.
As Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed days before the cabinet’s decision, the Modi government’s commitment to ‘one nation, one election’ is not merely symbolic. Shah’s statement was a clear indication that the government intended to act on this agenda within its current term, further solidifying Modi’s vision of transforming India’s governance.
The Kovind-led committee recommended conducting the simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and the state Assemblies as the first step. Following this, local body elections would be synchronized within a 100-day window. This strategy is intended to minimize the constant cycle of elections that dominates Indian politics, often hindering development and policy continuity.
Why Simultaneous Elections?
Proponents of simultaneous elections argue that India’s current staggered election process disrupts governance, policy implementation, and development projects. By aligning national and state elections, the country could:
- Reduce the financial burden of frequent elections: Election campaigns demand enormous public resources. Conducting elections less frequently could result in significant cost savings, which could be diverted to welfare programs or infrastructural development.
- Avoid the policy paralysis that accompanies recurring elections: Political parties often hesitate to make tough policy decisions before elections. Simultaneous elections could provide governments with a longer, uninterrupted tenure to focus on governance rather than constant campaigning.
- Enhance voter participation: Voter turnout often fluctuates between national and state elections. Holding them together could boost turnout and engagement, streamlining the democratic process.
- Minimize the impact of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The MCC, which comes into force during election periods, often stalls new initiatives. By consolidating elections, the government can focus on long-term policymaking without repeated interruptions.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite its clear advantages, simultaneous elections come with significant challenges, both political and logistical.
- Constitutional amendments: To implement ‘one nation, one election,’ several amendments to the Constitution would be required, particularly to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, which deal with the tenure of legislatures. These amendments would require significant political consensus, which may be difficult to achieve given the divergent views of various regional parties.
- Political opposition: While the ruling BJP has been a vocal advocate of simultaneous elections, opposition parties, particularly regional ones, fear that such a move could tilt the balance of power in favor of national parties. Regional parties often thrive on local issues, which could get overshadowed in a simultaneous election where national issues dominate the narrative. Securing broad political support will be essential for the smooth passage and implementation of this proposal.
- Logistics and infrastructure: India’s electoral machinery is vast and complex. Coordinating elections for the Lok Sabha, 28 state legislatures, and various local bodies will require an unprecedented level of coordination. The Election Commission will need significant resources to manage polling stations, electronic voting machines (EVMs), security personnel, and other logistical requirements.
Modi’s Political Resolve
By moving forward with the simultaneous election proposal, Modi has sent a clear signal: his government remains committed to its long-term reform agenda. This decision underscores his willingness to embrace bold, and at times risky, policy decisions, regardless of the political dynamics within his coalition. It also highlights his strategic focus on strengthening governance and ensuring a streamlined, efficient electoral process.
Critics may argue that this decision reflects Modi’s larger-than-life political ambition, but supporters view it as a necessary step toward making Indian democracy more efficient. Modi’s leadership style has consistently been defined by his ability to transcend political expediency in favor of sweeping reforms. Whether it was the demonetization initiative, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), or the recent emphasis on digital governance, Modi has demonstrated a clear preference for significant, structural changes that aim to modernize India’s governance systems.
Conclusion: A Bold Leap Forward
In approving the proposal for simultaneous elections, the Modi 3.0 government has once again challenged the status quo. While critics predicted a more cautious approach in his third term, Modi has shown a clear resolve to press ahead with his reformist agenda. The move towards ‘one nation, one election’ is not just a political strategy but a bold attempt to address inefficiencies in India’s electoral system.
This decision could prove to be a game-changer, streamlining governance, enhancing voter participation, and reducing the financial burden of frequent elections. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including the need for constitutional amendments, political consensus, and logistical preparedness.
Ultimately, whether this initiative succeeds will depend on Modi’s ability to convince political stakeholders across the spectrum and the capacity of India’s electoral infrastructure to adapt to such a monumental shift. But one thing is clear: Modi is not afraid to take risks, and his commitment to transforming India’s political landscape remains unwavering.
This move towards simultaneous elections is a progressive and pragmatic reform. It addresses the long-standing issues of governance disruption and the financial burden associated with India’s staggered electoral process. While there are legitimate concerns about the feasibility and political implications, especially for regional parties, these challenges can be managed through dialogue and collaboration. The decision also reflects Modi’s characteristic political decisiveness, a trait that has been central to his leadership style. As India moves forward with this initiative, it has the potential to reshape its democratic framework for the better, making governance more stable and focused on long-term national goals.
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