Editorial: Desperate, half-baked move

One Nation, One Election reflects BJP leadership’s desperation to assert itself after recent policy reversals

The Union Cabinet’s approval for the much-touted ‘One Nation, One Election’ idea is more a reflection of the BJP leadership’s desperation to assert itself after a series of recent policy reversals due to pressure from a rejuvenated opposition and resistance from its own allies. The Cabinet gave its nod to the recommendations of an eight-member high-level committee, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, for holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha elections and Assemblies. According to the plan, the idea would be implemented in two phases: First, the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be aligned and in the second phase, which will be held within 100 days of the first, local body elections will be covered. However, the NDA government should refrain from bulldozing the idea of simultaneous polls on a nation that is unprepared for such an exercise. No attempt has been made so far to build a political consensus on the matter. The initiative involves amendments to the Constitution for which broad support from various political parties is required. Since the BJP does not have a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha, it will need to engage not only its allies but also the opposition parties. One way to build the necessary consensus is by referring the Amendment Bills to a parliamentary committee, such as a standing committee or a joint parliamentary committee which includes opposition members. The Centre will also need to involve the States. For local bodies to be part of the simultaneous elections plan, at least half of the States must ratify the required Constitutional amendment.

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ is a key item on the BJP’s agenda and was a part of its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. While the idea of simultaneous polls, on the face of it, is appealing as it helps reduce expenditure, ensure efficient utilisation of government resources and security forces and effective policy planning, it must be pointed out that the Parliamentary and Assembly elections have different dynamics and issues at stake. It is generally believed that clubbing the Assembly polls with the Lok Sabha election will put the BJP in an advantageous position. Some opposition parties and observers see the idea of simultaneous polls as a ploy to blur the lines and prompt the electorate to vote for the ruling party at the Centre in both cases. For many regional parties, this could spell disaster, as they risk being overshadowed by the national dynamics favouring the BJP. There are fears that synchronised polls could undermine federalism by reducing the importance of State-specific issues and diminishing the role of regional parties. In a country as diverse as India, where regional identities and local issues often play a crucial role in elections, a unified national election could lead to the centralisation of political power, leaving regional voices marginalised.

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