CEC casts doubt over possibility of 'One Nation One Poll'

New Delhi, Aug 14: In a setback to ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Chief Election Commissioner has raised doubts over the possibility of 'One Nation One Election'.

Chief Election Commissioner, OP Rawat, said, "Simultaneous polls aren't possible without amendments in law. But if polls are to be held in instalments, like in 11 states at once, possibilities are there if all respective houses agree to dissolve and conduct polls together."

"Extra polling personnel, security, & VVPATs will also be needed," Rawat added.

BJP President Amit Shah wrote to the Law Commission of India on Monday, advocating for a 'One Nation, One Poll' and suggested that in a progressive democracy such as India, having separate elections strained the resources of the state.

He wrote that during elections, when the Model Code of Conduct is enforced, development works and policy decisions have to be stopped till the poll is over. Drumming support for the 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal, Shah wrote, "There is no relation between Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Voters vote on different issues in both polls. Therefore, we must have faith and trust the voters."

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Law Commission will submit its report to the Centre before the end of this month on 'One Nation One Poll'.