Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election', To Be Introduced In Parliament Winter Session

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal. According to News18, citing sources, the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill is expected to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

This initiative was a major promise in the BJP's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. In March, a high-level panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind suggested beginning with simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, followed by synchronized local body elections within 100 days.

Additionally, the Law Commission is anticipated to propose simultaneous elections for all three levels of government-Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats-starting in 2029. It may also include provisions for a unity government in the event of a hung House or no-confidence motions.

The Kovind panel did not set a timeline for implementing simultaneous polls but recommended forming an 'implementation group' to oversee the execution of its recommendations. The panel suggested 18 constitutional amendments, most of which will not require ratification by state assemblies but will need to be passed by Parliament.