The upcoming special session of Parliament, scheduled from September 18 to 22, holds the key to transformative changes as it deliberates on critical issues, including ‘One Nation, One Election.’ India’s electoral landscape may be poised for a historic transformation.
In a significant development, the government has established a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to delve into the feasibility of implementing ‘One Nation, One Election.’ This ambitious initiative aims to synchronize general and state elections, streamlining the electoral process.
This move comes on the heels of recent reports suggesting that the government is contemplating the introduction of a ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill during the upcoming special session of Parliament, scheduled from September 18 to 22.
The composition of the committee will be unveiled in a forthcoming notification, adding to the anticipation surrounding the potential advancement of Lok Sabha elections to coincide with several state assembly elections later this year.
Sources indicate that Ram Nath Kovind will engage with experts and seek input from leaders across the political spectrum to comprehensively assess the practicality and methodology of reinstating concurrent Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, reminiscent of the electoral landscape until 1967.
‘One Nation, One Election’ is a visionary concept that envisions synchronized elections throughout India. This means that elections for both the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies will occur simultaneously, with voting occurring concurrently across the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed this idea since assuming office in 2014, highlighting the financial burden imposed by frequent election cycles and their potential to disrupt developmental activities. Former President Kovind also voiced his support for this idea during his tenure starting in 2017.
Notably, the forthcoming special session of Parliament marks a significant occasion, being the first full-fledged special session during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nine-year tenure. Unlike the joint session held for the midnight GST roll-out in 2017, this session will see both Houses convene separately, as is customary during regular sessions.
In anticipation of this historic event, government officials, including the joint secretary, additional secretary, and secretary, have been instructed to remain in Delhi during the special parliamentary session, underscoring its importance. Stay tuned for more updates as this critical initiative unfolds.
