The Modi government is set to make waves with its ambitious “One Nation One Election” policy, which aims to align elections across the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. With three new bills on the horizon, including two constitutional amendments, the government is preparing for what could be one of the biggest electoral reforms in Indian history. But what does this policy really entail, and how might it reshape India’s political landscape? Let’s dive into the details of this bold initiative.

What is “One Nation One Election” All About?

In simple terms, the “One Nation One Election” plan is designed to synchronize all elections—national, state, and local—across the country. Currently, elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies (municipalities, panchayats) are held at different times, leading to what many call “perpetual election mode” in India. This results in massive costs and administrative strain, as well as frequent political instability, as parties focus more on winning elections than on governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong advocate of this policy for years, and now his government is closer than ever to turning the idea into reality. The introduction of three key bills, including two that propose constitutional amendments, marks a critical step in the process.

But what are the details of these bills? And why does the Modi government believe this approach is necessary? Let’s explore.

The Proposed Bills: A Breakdown

The government’s plan hinges on three major bills, two of which involve constitutional amendments that will reshape India’s electoral framework.

1. The First Constitutional Amendment Bill:

This bill focuses on synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and state legislative assemblies. Under the current system, the Lok Sabha and state elections are held at different times. The proposed bill seeks to amend several articles of the Constitution, most notably:

• Article 82A: This article will introduce provisions to schedule simultaneous elections. It will include a sub-clause (1) for an “appointed date” when synchronized elections will begin and a sub-clause (2) for ending the terms of both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies at the same time.
• Article 83(2): This will be amended to ensure the simultaneous dissolution of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, aligning their terms.
• Article 327: The term “simultaneous elections” will be inserted to formalize the concept in India’s electoral lexicon.

2. The Second Constitutional Amendment Bill:

The second bill is aimed at coordinating elections for local bodies, such as municipalities and panchayats, with those of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This will involve a new Article 324A, which focuses on harmonizing the roles of the Election Commission (EC) and State Election Commissions (SECs).

One key feature of this bill is that it will require ratification by at least 50% of India’s states. This ratification is necessary because the bill touches on matters that involve state governance, and aligning elections at the local level is seen as a state-related issue.

3. The Third Bill:

This bill seeks to amend several laws related to Union Territories that have legislative assemblies, specifically:

• The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991
• The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963
• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019

The aim here is to align the terms of Union Territory assemblies, such as those of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir, with those of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

This bill does not require any constitutional changes or state ratification, as it is an ordinary piece of legislation. It is expected to pass more easily through Parliament.

Why “One Nation One Election”?

Supporters of the policy argue that it will streamline governance, reduce electoral costs, and minimize the disruption of ongoing developmental activities caused by frequent elections. India is constantly in election mode, and this often leads to delays in policy implementation and governance.

Key Advantages of the Policy:

• Cost Efficiency: Holding separate elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies is a costly affair. The Election Commission of India has previously highlighted the significant financial burden posed by frequent elections. Simultaneous elections could save crores of rupees in expenses.
• Reduced Disruption: Frequent elections lead to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which halts government activities for extended periods. Simultaneous elections will reduce these disruptions and ensure uninterrupted governance.
• Political Stability: Simultaneous elections will allow political parties to focus on long-term governance rather than short-term electoral strategies, fostering greater political stability in the country.

High-Level Committee Recommendations: 18 Amendments to the Constitution

A high-level committee set up by the government submitted its report in March 2024, proposing 18 amendments to the Constitution. The committee recommended implementing the “One Nation, One Election” plan in two phases:

• Phase 1: Simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• Phase 2: Elections for local bodies such as panchayats and municipal corporations within 100 days of the general election.

The committee also recommended the adoption of a common electoral roll for all elections to avoid duplication and streamline the electoral process. This would require increased coordination between the Election Commission and the State Election Commissions, which currently operate separately.

While the idea is widely seen as ambitious and innovative, it has also faced criticism.

Challenges and Criticisms

Not everyone is on board with the “One Nation One Election” policy. Opposition parties and political analysts have raised several concerns:

• Logistical Issues: Holding simultaneous elections across a vast and diverse country like India poses immense logistical challenges. Conducting elections for over a billion people in one go would require significant resources, planning, and coordination.
• Constitutional Concerns: Amending the Constitution to such a large extent is no small feat. Some legal experts have argued that it may undermine the federal structure of India, where states have the right to conduct their elections independently.
• Feasibility: Critics argue that the plan may be difficult to implement in practice. For instance, what happens if a state government loses a no-confidence motion and elections are called before the scheduled date? Will that state have to wait until the next synchronized election cycle?

Brand Value and Endorsements of the Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has built a reputation as a reformer, and the “One Nation One Election” initiative fits well with his broader vision of governance reforms. If successful, this initiative will enhance Modi’s brand as a leader capable of simplifying complex issues and improving administrative efficiency.

The proposal has also gained traction among some business leaders, who see synchronized elections as a way to ensure smoother governance, potentially improving the ease of doing business in India.