Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the Union Cabinet 's decision to approve the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, calling it a significant step toward strengthening India's democracy. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi said, "The cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on simultaneous elections. I compliment our former President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji for spearheading this effort and consulting a wide range of stakeholders."
The Union Cabinet’s approval sets the stage for holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, along with urban and rural body polls, within 100 days of the parliamentary elections. The recommendation was part of a report by a high-level panel led by former President Kovind.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided further details, saying, "In the first phase, Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be held, followed by local body elections, including Gram Panchayats and municipalities, in the second phase."
Support and opposition to the proposal
While the proposal has sparked debate, several opposition parties have extended their support. Leaders such as Mayawati of the Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party have backed the initiative. Other parties in favor include Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress, and Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal.
However, not all are in agreement. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, and others, including AAP and DMK, have strongly opposed the idea. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the proposal, stating, "One Nation, One Election is only a BJP issue to divert attention. This is against the Constitution, democracy, and federalism."
The Union Cabinet’s approval sets the stage for holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, along with urban and rural body polls, within 100 days of the parliamentary elections. The recommendation was part of a report by a high-level panel led by former President Kovind.
The Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections. I compliment our former President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji for spearheading this effort and consulting a wide range of stakeholders.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2024
This is an important step towards making our…
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided further details, saying, "In the first phase, Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be held, followed by local body elections, including Gram Panchayats and municipalities, in the second phase."
Support and opposition to the proposal
While the proposal has sparked debate, several opposition parties have extended their support. Leaders such as Mayawati of the Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party have backed the initiative. Other parties in favor include Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress, and Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal.
However, not all are in agreement. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, and others, including AAP and DMK, have strongly opposed the idea. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the proposal, stating, "One Nation, One Election is only a BJP issue to divert attention. This is against the Constitution, democracy, and federalism."
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