'One Nation, One Election' Bill Cleared By Cabinet, Likely To Be Introduced In Parliament Next Week: Sources

The Union Cabinet has cleared the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, said sources.

Ex-President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Narendra Modi

Source : PTI

The Union Cabinet has cleared the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, said sources. It is likely to be introduced in Parliament next week. Earlier, former President Ram Nath Kovind led a committee that submitted a report on conducting simultaneous elections in India just before the Lok Sabha elections.

The committee thoroughly studied various aspects and carefully weighed the pros and cons of holding elections simultaneously. They recommended hosting Lok Sabha and Assembly polls together, similar to the practice in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim this year. Additionally, they suggested conducting local body polls within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

#WATCH | Jaipur | On One Nation One Election, BJP Leader Dr Satish Poonia says, “If you ask anyone across the country, they will agree on One Nation One Election. It is our country’s demand and also its need.“ pic.twitter.com/dcZ5A7WKGL

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2024

The panel, formed in September last year, further proposed the formation of an ‘implementation group’ to oversee the execution of its recommendations. The Kovind-led committee emphasised that implementing the ‘one nation, one election’ policy would lead to resource savings and contribute to the development of India.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly endorsed the idea of simultaneous elections on Wednesday, arguing that the frequent electoral cycles were hindering the nation’s progress. Speaking at an event in Kurukshetra, part of the ongoing International Gita festival, Chouhan praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the country was making rapid strides under his guidance.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is on the path to becoming a glorious, prosperous, and powerful nation," Chouhan said. "We are on the verge of India becoming the 'Vishwa Guru' (world leader). This is certain, and the entire world recognizes it."

However, Chouhan pointed out that frequent elections were a major obstacle to the country’s growth. "While various developments may or may not be taking place, election preparations continue year-round, every year," he said. "Once the Lok Sabha elections conclude, state assembly elections take over. States like Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand have already held their elections, and now Delhi is next in line."

In line with the government's push for simultaneous elections, it approved the recommendations of a high-level committee in September. The committee proposed that elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies be held simultaneously in a phased manner.

BJP leader Dr Satish Poonia, too, said: “If you ask anyone across the country, they will agree to the 'One Nation One Election' policy. It is our country’s demand and also its need.“

#WATCH | Jaipur | On One Nation One Election, BJP Leader Dr Satish Poonia says, “If you ask anyone across the country, they will agree on One Nation One Election. It is our country’s demand and also its need.“ pic.twitter.com/dcZ5A7WKGL

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2024