Parliamentary Panel on ‘One Nation, One Election’ to Seek Extension

The high-profile parliamentary committee examining the feasibility of implementing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy is going to seek an extension for its deliberations. The panel, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, requires additional time to examine the legal, constitutional, and logistical aspects of holding simultaneous elections across India.

Reasons for Extension Request

According to sources, the committee has faced problems concerning constitutional amendments, state legislature approvals, and logistical problems while holding Lok Sabha and state assembly elections together. The panel is conducting consultations with legal experts, political leaders, and election commission officials to study the feasibility of the proposal.

A senior official said, “Given the enormous implications of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ framework, it is crucial to examine everything carefully before presenting recommendations.”

Political and Legal Implications

The idea of holding synchronized elections is to make governance more streamlined, reduce election-related expenses, and make the administration more efficient. However, the opposition parties and some regional leaders have expressed apprehensions about the implications of synchronized elections on federalism and regional autonomy. Even legal experts have opined that several provisions of the Constitution would need to be amended to facilitate simultaneous elections.

Way Forward

The committee is likely to present its interim report to the government in a few weeks with a formal plea for extension of time. The extra time, if allowed, will be utilized by the committee to meet stakeholders and make finer recommendations.

The central government would take the final call on whether to adopt the ‘One Nation, One Election’ recommendation since it has been pushing for electoral reforms for better stability and effectiveness in governance.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.