Cabinet Approves Plan for Simultaneous Elections Across India
In a significant move towards electoral reform, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for simultaneous elections, allowing for the alignment of Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls. This decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, follows extensive discussions and is based on a report from a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
The committee's report, submitted earlier this year, outlines a detailed strategy for implementing the "one nation, one election" initiative. It recommends that the first phase include concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by synchronized local body elections within a 100-day timeframe.
This initiative aims to streamline the electoral process in India, addressing the current practice of staggered elections that often take place over multiple years. By reducing the frequency of elections, the proposal is expected to alleviate the financial and administrative burdens associated with regular polling.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal advocate for this initiative, emphasizing its potential to eliminate the disruptions caused by frequent elections. In his Independence Day address, Modi remarked on how ongoing elections hinder national progress, stating, “Frequent elections are creating hurdles in the progress of the nation. It has become easy to link any scheme or initiative with elections, as there are elections every few months.”
The Cabinet's approval marks a pivotal step toward a more cohesive electoral framework in India, setting the stage for a future where major elections could be held simultaneously.
