Central Government Establishes Committee on ‘Unified National Election’; Former President to Lead

New Delhi: According to sources, a formed committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind will closely examine India’s potential transition to a “one nation, one election” model, where national and state elections are held simultaneously. This decision represents a step, in the ongoing discussions about this proposal, which have previously been reviewed by multiple committees.

This development comes just after the central government announced a session scheduled from September 18th to 22nd. While the specific agenda remains undisclosed, there are speculations that legislation regarding the “one nation, one election” concept may be introduced. However, we are still awaiting confirmation from the government.

In the past, India practised elections for both Lok Sabha and state assembly polls during its electoral rounds. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been advocates of this approach. It is worth noting that this system was a feature of elections until 1967 when it was discontinued due to premature dissolution of certain state assemblies in 1968 69. The Lok Sabha was also dissolved prematurely in 1970, leading to term elections in 1971.

The BJP made a commitment to the election model in its election manifesto back in 2014.

“The manifesto emphasizes the potential, for cost savings and the prospect of stability by proposing that the BJP in cooperation with parties aims to devise a plan for holding elections, for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha.”