The government is set to introduce the ‘One Nation, One Election‘ bill during the ongoing winter session of Parliament to enable simultaneous elections across India, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The bill is expected to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for detailed deliberations, the sources added.
The government aims to build consensus on the proposal, which has faced opposition from several parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.
In September, the Union Cabinet approved recommendations by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, endorsing the significant but contentious reform. The committee suggested a phased approach to align elections, starting with Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, followed by local body elections within 100 days.
Also read | ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill likely to be tabled in ongoing Winter Session
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for simultaneous elections, citing reduced costs and fewer restrictions on policymaking as key benefits.
The Kovind panel, established by the Union government on September 2, 2023, received responses from 47 political parties, of which 32, including the BJP, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Janata Dal-United (JDU), and Shiv Sena, supported the idea. These parties argued that simultaneous polls would conserve resources, foster social harmony, and boost economic development.
For more such updates, click here.
