Government Set to Push ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in Parliament: Major Challenges Ahead

New Delhi: The ambitious “One Nation, One Election” initiative could take a crucial step forward as the government plans to introduce a bill in the current session of Parliament, according to sources. This move follows the Cabinet’s approval of the Ram Nath Kovind Committee report, signaling the government’s intent to overhaul India’s election system.

To build consensus on this landmark reform, the bill may be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed deliberations. Sources suggest the JPC will engage with political parties, state assembly speakers, intellectuals, and citizens to gather diverse perspectives. Public consultation is also expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the proposal.

However, the road ahead is far from straightforward. Implementing “One Nation, One Election” would necessitate amending the Constitution through at least six bills and securing a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament—a steep challenge for the ruling NDA.

In the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the NDA currently holds 112 seats, far short of the required 164 for a two-thirds majority. In the 545-member Lok Sabha, the NDA’s 292 seats also fall short of the 364-seat mark. These numbers highlight the need for bipartisan support to achieve this significant constitutional change.

The government has long argued that simultaneous elections would save time, money, and administrative effort. It also points to the Model Code of Conduct, which often halts development work during election cycles, as a critical drawback of the current system.

However, the Opposition has raised strong objections, labeling the idea impractical and undemocratic. Critics highlight the logistical challenges faced by the Election Commission in conducting even state elections across multiple phases. Moreover, they argue that simultaneous elections could undermine federalism and weaken regional voices in the democratic process.

The Kovind Committee report has recommended that the government foster bipartisan collaboration and a nationwide dialogue to garner public support. While the concept has its advocates, the report suggests its implementation might realistically be feasible only after 2029.

As Parliament prepares for a heated debate, the “One Nation, One Election” proposal promises to be one of the most contentious issues of this session. Its outcome could reshape the political landscape of the country for decades to come.