MS Shanker
The Narendra Modi government has taken a bold step in proposing the “One Nation, One Poll” initiative by clearing it for discussion in Parliament. While the political debate rages on, it’s crucial to examine the facts and implications of this proposal objectively.
Simultaneous elections are not a novel concept in India. At the dawn of independence, elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were conducted concurrently.
This practice was disrupted during the late Indira Gandhi era, primarily due to political compulsions. Since then, staggered elections have become the norm, leading to a perpetual election cycle. The BJP’s proposal seeks to return to a system that worked efficiently in the past, ensuring stability and focus in governance.
The Opposition’s strong resistance to the proposal stems largely from political apprehensions. Critics argue that simultaneous elections could amplify the “Modi factor,” potentially consolidating BJP’s electoral dominance.
This fear is particularly pronounced among regional parties and the Congress, whose influence has waned significantly over the years. Once a dominant force ruling most states, Congress now clings to power in a few states, relying heavily on alliances with regional players like DMK in Tamil Nadu and JMM in Jharkhand. The Opposition’s stance, however, appears inconsistent.
While they argue against the logistical feasibility of simultaneous elections, their deeper concern seems to be political survival. This resistance raises questions about whether their opposition is rooted in genuine democratic concerns or a fear of losing relevance.
The economic benefits of “One Nation, One Poll” are substantial. Conducting elections in phases imposes a heavy financial burden on the exchequer, with costs running into thousands of crores. Simultaneous elections would streamline this expenditure, allowing funds to be redirected toward developmental initiatives.
Moreover, the administrative machinery and security forces deployed during elections could focus on governance and internal security rather than being perpetually engaged in election duties. A synchronized electoral calendar would give governments a full term to implement policies without being distracted by frequent polls. Implementing “One Nation, One Poll” is not without challenges. Constitutional amendments are required to align the tenures of state assemblies with the Lok Sabha.
The BJP lacks the two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament needed to pass these amendments. Furthermore, logistical hurdles, such as the Election Commission’s capacity to conduct nationwide elections in a single phase, must be addressed. The Kovind Committee, established to examine the feasibility of the proposal, has reportedly taken these issues into account. Recommendations include increasing the Election Commission’s capacity and ensuring adequate security and infrastructure for a smooth electoral process.
A key argument in favor of “One Nation, One Poll” is its potential to enhance governance. Frequent elections lead to a culture of short-term populism, with governments focusing more on winning votes than delivering results.
A synchronized election cycle would encourage long-term policy planning, fostering transparency and accountability. The BJP’s clean governance record in the past decade—free from major corruption scandals—strengthens its case for advocating this change.
In contrast, the Congress’s history of corruption during its tenure undermines its credibility in opposing a reform that promises efficiency and accountability. While the benefits of simultaneous elections are evident, the road to implementation is steep. The government must not only address logistical and constitutional hurdles but also build consensus among political parties.
To this end, expanding the Election Commission’s mandate and creating a multi-member decision-making body akin to a constitutional bench could help build trust and ensure transparency.
The “One Nation, One Poll” initiative has the potential to transform Indian democracy by reducing costs, enhancing governance, and fostering political stability. However, its success hinges on bipartisan cooperation and meticulous planning. The Modi government’s push for this reform is a step in the right direction, but its execution will ultimately determine its legacy.
