‘One Nation One Poll:’ UP becomes first state to draft report backing the concept
Uttar Pradesh became the first state to draft a report advocating the need for a 'One Nation One Poll.' The Yogi Adityanath government showed its willingness to hold simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections from 2019 onwards.
The report prepared by a panel headed by state minister, Dr. Siddharth Nath Singh submitted the report to the Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. The report would now be placed before the Cabinet following which it will be sent to the Centre for approval.
UP along with Madhya Pradesh were the first states to constitute such a panel in a bid to carry forward Modi's campaign to hold simultaneous elections.
In addition to advocating simultaneous elections, the UP report also speaks about the need to have only vote list linked with Aadhaar so that it is automatically updated when a person turns 18.
Elections in UP are due in 2022, but the party's state unit has shown willingness to go for simulteneous elections in 2019. If this goes through then UP would be setting a precedent. The issue pertaining to a 'One Nation One Poll' was advocated by the Prime Minister. The Election Commission of India also said that it would ready for the concept.
The issue was also backed by President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. The Law Commission too had discussed this issue in detail and is looking at way to remove legal hurdles which may come in the way of its implementation.