New Delhi: Union law and justice minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has reiterated the government’s commitment to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, calling it both “practical and important”. Speaking to news agency ANI on Monday, Meghwal announced that the first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the matter will take place on January 8, 2025. The proposal seeks to synchronise elections of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Meghwal stressed that the plan does not infringe upon the federal structure or voter rights, instead aiming to streamline governance and reduce the frequency of elections.
The proposal gained momentum following recommendations by a High-Level Committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee suggested implementing simultaneous elections in two phases. In the first phase, elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies would be conducted simultaneously. The second phase would focus on holding local body elections, such as panchayat and municipal polls, within 100 days of the general elections. These recommendations were approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year, leading to the introduction of two bills during Parliament’s winter session to amend existing laws and facilitate the transition.
Criticism from opposition parties
Despite the government’s enthusiasm, the proposal faced criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Left parties. They argue that the initiative could undermine the federal structure and centralise power in ways detrimental to the autonomy of states. Addressing these concerns, Meghwal pointed out that simultaneous elections were a standard practice between 1952 and 1966, only disrupted in 1971 when elections were held early. He asserted that voters are mature enough to make informed decisions even when voting for multiple levels of government simultaneously.
The government has also proposed using a common electoral roll for all elections to simplify administrative processes and reduce costs. Meghwal assured that the entire process would adhere to the constitutional framework outlined in Article 368 and respect the division of powers between the union, states, and concurrent lists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong advocate for ‘One Nation, One Election,’ emphasising its potential to improve governance and reduce the disruption caused by frequent elections. Meghwal echoed this sentiment, stating that the proposal is in the country’s best interest and will be implemented thoughtfully, ensuring no harm to voter rights, political parties, or state autonomy.
