To gauge the perspectives of various stakeholders on the implementation of simultaneous polls across the country, the high-level committee on One Nation One Elections continued its meetings. Following last week’s engagement with political party representatives, the committee carried on with discussions, this time interacting with the State Election Commissioners of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Law and Justice, it was informed that the Chairman of the Committee and former President Ram Nath Kovind, along with committee members N K Singh and Sanjay Kothari, engaged with U.P.S. Madan, State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra, and Dr. B. Basavaraju, State Election Commissioner of Karnataka.
The discussions revolved around exploring avenues for holding elections to local bodies simultaneously with State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha.
“In their deliberations, both commissioners highlighted various issues that need to be addressed so that elections to local bodies can also be held simultaneously along with State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha.”
It is pertinent to note that, as defined by law, the State Election Commissioners (SECs) organize polls for local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats, distinct from the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is mandated to conduct presidential, vice-presidential, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state assembly, and state legislative council polls.
Meanwhile, providing a significant update on the government’s progress toward implementing ‘One Nation One Election’ in the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Saturday that the ‘one nation, one election’ report is expected to be released by the beginning of March.
Addressing the ET Now Global Business Summit 2024, Shah said, “PM Modi has established a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. Talks are underway with former election commissioners, retired justices, the law commission, and political parties for this purpose.”
“Once this report is released, the Lok Sabha elections will take place, and the people of the nation will then decide whether they want ‘one nation, one election’ or not. PM Modi has clearly stated that simultaneous elections are essential for the country’s development, smooth functioning, and the free expression of its citizens,” Shah added.
