Cabinet approves historic One Nation, One Election plan; major electoral overhaul ahead! Bill to be presented in Parliament soon!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Cabinet has given the green light to the groundbreaking One Nation, One Election proposal, which promises to shake up the electoral process by holding simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and state assemblies across India. A bill for this historic change is expected to be presented in Parliament during the current session. A monumental 18,626-page report led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which lays out the blueprint for synchronized elections, was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on March 14.

The government now faces the crucial decision of whether to introduce this as a single bill or break it down into multiple bills. With such a monumental shift in the political landscape, consultation with political parties is key. If approved, the bill will require ratification by state legislatures and a constitutional amendment, which will need the backing of at least 50% of states to be adopted. Article 327 of the Constitution will be amended to enshrine One Nation, One Election in the legal framework. The plan envisions simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, including municipal corporations, councils, and panchayats — all possibly on the same day or within a fixed window.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long championed the idea, arguing that this will cut election costs, boost governance efficiency, and enhance voter turnout. By reducing the frequency of elections, the government believes that it will create a more stable political environment and pave the way for smoother national progress.