Five-Year Plan

Though there are challenges, 'One Nation, One Election', if implemented, could transform the political and governance patterns in the country

- PRATUL SHARMA

IN MARCH 2016, less than two years into his first term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his party’s office bearers that he preferred having simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. At the time, not many thought it was possible. Eight years later, the Centre believes it is an idea whose time has come.

The concept, on the surface, appears appealing, with the government saying it is necessary to curb excessive spending, eliminate the perpetual election cycle and redirect focus towards governance. Critics, however, argue that it could homogenise India’s political diversity and diminish regional concerns.

Former president Ram Nath Kovind’s report on ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE)—submitted just two days before the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates were announced—will give the BJP a topical campaign issue. Voters would be more receptive to the idea while they see the crores being spent around them.

For the BJP, fulfilling promises such as the Ram Mandir, abrogation of Article 370, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and ONOE has been a priority. In fact, Modi’s second term has been better than his first in terms of fulfilling ideological promises.

And with the aim of winning more than 400 seats this time, the Modi government might pursue further transformative measures, beginning with ONOE. “Certainty is important for decisions central to good governance, which leads to faster development,” said the Kovind report. “On the other hand, uncertainty invariably leads to policy paralysis... [the simultaneous polls] will significantly enhance transparency, inclusivity, ease and confidence of the voters.”