The concept of "One Nation One Poll" has been a topic of intense debate and discussion in Indian politics for several years. This idea, which advocates simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, has garnered significant attention from various quarters.
Taking the idea further, now, Narendra Modi-led government has formed a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to delve into details. However, the opposition parties have raised serious concerns about its feasibility and implications.
The one nation one poll concept aims to streamline the electoral process, improve governance, and reduce the burden on resources. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges and concerns.
A conceptual overview
The idea of holding simultaneous elections for the central and state governments has its roots in the need for reducing the frequency of elections in the country. Currently, India conducts elections at the state and central levels separately, leading to a never-ending cycle of elections that can be disruptive to governance and development.
Pros of One Nation One Poll:
Cost savings: Conducting elections at different levels of government involves significant expenditures. Simultaneous elections at Centre and state levels could save considerable public funds.
Governance stability: Frequent elections can disrupt the functioning of both central and state governments. Simultaneous elections could provide stability and continuity in policy implementation.
Efficient resource allocation: Parties would need to campaign only once in a five-year cycle, allowing for better allocation of time and resources.
Challenges:
Logistical challenges: India's vast size, population, and diversity make it challenging to conduct simultaneous elections across the country.
Constitutional amendments: Implementing One Nation One Poll would require significant changes to India's constitution. The process of amending the constitution to implement One Nation One Poll is complex and requires broad political consensus, which has been lacking.
Autonomy of states: Critics argue that simultaneous elections may undermine the autonomy of state governments, as they could be overshadowed by national issues.
Opposition's resistance
The One Nation One Poll proposal has faced significant resistance from opposition parties, who argue that it would violate the very ethics of the federal structure of India’s democracy.
They also believe that it could be used as a tool to undermine state governments and concentrate power in the hands of the ruling party at the center.
