In a significant move, the Union Cabinet has approved the One Nation, One Election proposal, marking a major step towards synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. This historic practice, last seen in 1967, could soon return as the government prepares to table a bill in the upcoming parliamentary session.
The proposal stems from a detailed report submitted by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee highlighted several potential benefits, including saving resources, minimizing disruptions to governance, and boosting voter engagement.
However, implementing this reform will require substantial constitutional amendments, particularly to Articles 172 and 356, and changes to the Representation of the People Act. While the government promotes this as a measure to streamline the election process, opposition parties argue it threatens federalism and is impractical.
The bill is expected to spark intense debate when introduced in Parliament, setting the stage for a historic electoral overhaul.
