Cabinet Clears One Nation One Election, Bill In Winter Session Likely

The Union Cabinet has given the green light to the "One Nation, One Election" proposal, which aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, as well as urban body and panchayat polls within 100 days. According to media reports, this move is based on the recommendations of a high-level panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. 

The proposal will now be tabled in Parliament and must clear both Houses - the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to become a law. Additionally, it requires a constitutional amendment, which must be ratified by at least half of India's states. 

The high-profile panel said that conducting simultaneous elections will "transform the electoral process (and) governance" and “optimise scarce resources”. It noted that 32 parties and prominent judicial figures, including former Supreme Court  (SC) Chief Justices and High Court (HC) judges, had supported this measure.

Talking about the advantages, the panel listed that it makes the electoral process easier for voters. Synchronising polls, or holding elections simultaneously, can potentially boost economic growth and stability. The idea is that with a single round of elections, businesses and corporate firms can make decisions without worrying about frequent policy changes that come with multiple elections. 

The panel also mentioned that it studied "best practices from other countries", and consulted economists and the Election Commission, before delivering its verdict. Meanwhile, around 15 parties, including the Congress, have opposed the one-election push in India.