The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, recommending simultaneous voting for state and union governments, as well as local bodies. A panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind reported widespread support for this idea.
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- Cabinet accepted panel’s report on simultaneous elections.
- ‘One Nation, One Election’ aims to hold Lok Sabha, Assembly, and local polls together.
- Previously practiced until 1967; disrupted by early dissolutions in the late 1960s.
- Only seven states currently hold simultaneous elections with Lok Sabha polls.
- Over 80% of 21,000 public suggestions favor the proposal.
- Parliament to review the proposal in the Winter Session.
- Amendments needed for Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, 356 in the Constitution.
- BJP needs a two-thirds majority in both houses to pass the bills.
- Opposition, led by Congress, criticizes the move as impractical and diversionary.
- Proponents argue it will save resources, boost voter turnout, and focus governance.
