In a significant political development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N Chandrababu Naidu has extended his party’s support for contentious ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, emphasizing importance of aligning elections to prevent hindrances to country’s development. Naidu remarked, “Elections should not hinder development,” affirming his commitment to bill’s vision.
Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, designed to synchronize elections across India, is scheduled to be introduced in Lok Sabha on December 16 by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Proposal: ‘One Nation, One Election’
proposed legislation seeks to synchronize elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, along with assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry through a separate bill.
Key Objectives
| Objective | Details |
| Synchronizing Elections | Conduct simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. |
| Time and Resource Efficiency | Minimize election-related disruptions by streamlining electoral process. |
| Unified Electoral Framework | Establish a consistent system across nation to ensure uniformity in governance. |
TDP’s Support and Naidu’s Stand
TDP’s backing for bill aligns with its emphasis on development-focused governance. Naidu, known for his administrative acumen, believes that frequent elections divert attention from developmental activities and strain resources.
| Aspect | Details |
| TDP’s Stance | Supports bill, prioritizing synchronized governance for uninterrupted development. |
| Naidu’s Perspective | Stressed that frequent elections disrupt policymaking and drain financial and administrative resources. |
Opposition’s Criticism
While ruling BJP-led NDA alliance has welcomed proposal, it has faced strong criticism from opposition parties, including members of INDIA alliance. Critics argue that bill threatens India’s federal structure and raises questions about its practicality.
Congress’s Concerns
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has urged for bill to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny, arguing that it undermines democratic principles.
| Congress’s Stand | Details |
| Statement by Jairam Ramesh | Called for detailed examination, arguing it disrupts India’s democratic diversity. |
| Kharge’s Letter | Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier submitted a four-page letter opposing bill. |
Mehbooba Mufti’s Criticism
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, speaking at PDP General Council Meeting in Srinagar, accused NDA government of attempting to erode India’s Constitution.
| Mehbooba Mufti’s Stand | Details |
| Criticism | Warned that initiative undermines India’s federal structure. |
| Quote | “India is a federal country, and this proposal undermines that structure.” |
NDA’s Perspective
Ruling parties in NDA alliance have defended bill as a step toward creating an efficient and unified electoral framework. They argue that synchronized elections would save resources, enhance governance, and streamline policymaking.
| NDA’s Argument | Details |
| Resource Efficiency | Advocates savings in time, money, and administrative effort by holding elections simultaneously. |
| PM Modi’s Statement | Described proposal as a “significant step toward strengthening India’s democracy.” |
Historical Context
concept of synchronized elections is not new. India conducted simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies until 1967. However, due to premature dissolution of certain assemblies and Lok Sabha, this practice was discontinued.
Key Historical Developments
| Year | Event |
| 1952–1967 | Simultaneous elections conducted for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. |
| 1968–1969 | Practice ended due to early dissolution of assemblies and Lok Sabha. |
| 2024 | Proposal revived through Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill. |
High-Level Panel Recommendations
Union Cabinet, in September 2024, approved a plan for synchronized elections based on recommendations by a high-level panel chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
| Panel Recommendations | Details |
| Simultaneous Elections | Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, urban bodies, and panchayat elections to be held within a 100-day window. |
| Framework | Establish mechanisms to synchronize election timelines across India. |
Potential Benefits
1. Cost Savings
Simultaneous elections could significantly reduce financial burden of conducting multiple elections over staggered timelines.
2. Minimized Governance Disruption
Frequent elections often lead to policy paralysis due to enforcement of Model Code of Conduct. A synchronized electoral schedule could mitigate this issue.
| Benefit | Details |
| Financial Efficiency | Reduces administrative and logistical expenses. |
| Uninterrupted Development | Eliminates delays in policy implementation caused by repeated enforcement of Model Code of Conduct. |
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its potential benefits, critics highlight significant challenges, including logistical hurdles and threats to India’s federal structure.
1. Logistical Challenges
Coordinating simultaneous elections across India’s vast and diverse landscape poses significant logistical challenges.
2. Federal Structure
Opposition parties argue that bill undermines autonomy of State Governments, a cornerstone of India’s federal system.
| Challenge | Details |
| Logistics | Coordinating elections for over a billion voters across multiple levels of governance. |
| Federal Concerns | Potential encroachment on State autonomy. |
Conclusion
‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill represents a transformative yet polarizing proposal for India’s electoral system. While TDP and other NDA allies have expressed strong support, opposition voices remain skeptical, raising concerns about its feasibility and impact on India’s democratic framework.
As bill is introduced in Lok Sabha on December 16, it will spark rigorous debate among policymakers and public alike, shaping future of India’s governance and electoral processes.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details may be subject to change as situation evolves. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. author and publisher are not responsible for any discrepancies or errors.
