Centre To Bring One Nation-One Election Bill Before 100 Days Of PM Modi's Third Term: Reports

The BJP-led NDA government plans to introduce the 'One Nation, One Election' bill during its current term. This initiative aims to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies and the government wants to make it happen before Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 100 days of his third consecutive term.

During his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, PM Modi emphasised the importance of this legislation. He urged everyone to support the simultaneous poll law, calling it "the need of the hour." He stated, "I request everyone to come together to achieve the resolve of 'One Nation One Election', which is the need of the hour."

PM Modi's Vision for Shorter Election Cycles

Before the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi spoke exclusively to India Today TV about his vision for shorter election cycles. He expressed that politics should not dominate a five-year term and suggested elections should be held only for three or four months. This approach, he argued, would reduce logistics expenditure.

"I always say that elections should be held only for three or four months. Politics should not be done for all five years," PM Modi had said. He added that this would "save logistics expenditure."

High-Level Committee Recommendations

A high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind proposed holding simultaneous elections as a first step. The panel recommended that local body elections follow within 100 days to ensure a synchronised election cycle across India. However, they did not specify a timeline for implementing these simultaneous polls.

The One Nation One Election has been one of BJP's key promises in its Lok Sabha election manifesto. The Prime Minister reiterated this commitment during his Independence Day address and in various interviews.

Current Election System

Currently, state assembly and Lok Sabha elections are conducted separately. These occur either after the existing government's five-year term ends or if the government is dissolved for various reasons.

The report on this initiative comes as PM Modi marks 100 days since being sworn in on June 9, following the announcement of Lok Sabha election results.

"We have set up a commission. The report of the commission has come. We are studying the report. After studying it, actionable points will come out of it," PM Modi said. "We have a commitment and the commitment is not only a political commitment. This is very important for the country," he added.

This move towards synchronised elections aims to streamline India's electoral process and reduce frequent disruptions caused by separate election cycles.