In a significant move that has reignited the political discourse in India, the Modi government has recently announced its ambitious "One Nation, One Election" proposal, setting the stage for a spirited debate among political parties, analysts, and the general public.
With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming closer, the government has issued a public notification seeking suggestions from the Civil Society and the general public for potential changes in the legal and administrative framework to facilitate simultaneous elections across the country.
INDIA Alliance has already expressed its apprehension over the 'ON,OE' saying that the BJP was scared of INIDIA and wants to divert public attention from the emerging force of alliance in the country.
The government's notification, dated September 2, 2023, disclosed the formation of a high-level committee dedicated to the "One Nation, One Election" cause.
The comprehensive terms of reference mandate the committee to formulate recommendations for the creation of a robust legal and administrative structure that would facilitate permanent simultaneous elections in India.
This involves identifying necessary amendments to the Constitution of India, revisiting related election laws, and addressing logistical considerations such as common electoral rolls, electronic voting machines, and VVPATs (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail).
In a bid to include diverse perspectives, the government has actively invited suggestions from the public and Civil Society.
All recommendations must be submitted by January 15, 2024, and will be carefully reviewed by the high-level committee for consideration.
These suggestions can be posted on the government's official website on.oe.gov.in, sent via email to
The proposal, which aims to synchronize various state and central elections, has sparked intense discussions on its feasibility, implications, and potential impact on the democratic process.
Proponents argue that simultaneous elections could reduce the frequency of polls, save resources, and streamline governance.
However, critics express concerns about the practical challenges, the need for constitutional amendments, and the potential impact on regional dynamics.
As the nation awaits the outcome of this public consultation and the subsequent deliberations of the high-level committee, the "One Nation, One Election" proposal remains a focal point in the prelude to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, shaping the narrative around the future of India's electoral politics.
Modi-led Central government's proposal for "One Nation, One Election" had caught INDIA alliance, which convened its third meeting at the Mumbai Hyatt Grand hotel by surprise last year. The leaders wasted no time terming it as BJP's another ploy to divert attention of the nation from INDIA's emerging power in the country.
Unfazed by the BJP's One Nation, One Election bombshell, INDIA alliance formed a 14-member Coordination Committee comprising 14 prominent leaders from various political parties that make up the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
Additionally, a social media and media campaign committees, consisting of all members from over 28 parties within INDIA, have also been established.
The INDIA alliance, often referred to as "One Nation, One Opposition" is being perceived as a formidable force that could challenge the dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
On the other hand, BJP's move, say analysts, aims at fracturing and creating fissures in INDIA as many of its partners see eye-ball to eye-ball with each other within the states if states also go to polls along with the Lok Sabha elections simultaneously in the country.
The Centre has constituted a panel on, One Nation, One Election, headed by former President of India Dr. Ram Nath Kovind, who himself has generated a row by accepting the offer to head the panel considering President office is the highest office in India and he is also Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
But the Opposition- Congress, SP and RJP and Left- had termed it as a ploy with a Hidden agenda to distract and confuse the INDIA Alliance leaders.
BJP has conveyed across political circles that it was 'One Nation, One Election' till 1967 during the heydays of the Congress suzerainty in the country.
The BJP's social media cell has released a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who passionately stated, "One Nation, One Election, is not just a topic for discussion; it is a necessity for India. Frequent elections disrupt development work".
"We must explore this concept thoroughly, with the presiding officers providing valuable insights. Moreover, we need to unify voter lists for all elections, whether at the Panchayat, Vidhan Sabha, or Lok Sabha level."
