‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill; Who is opposed? Who supports who?

‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill – A Detailed Overview

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, proposing simultaneous elections for the Parliament, state legislative assemblies, and local bodies. This bill has sparked significant debate and is creating a divide between various political parties.

Background:

In India, the elections for the Parliament and state legislative assemblies are held separately, leading to increased expenses, logistical challenges, and frequent electoral processes. The central government, with the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan, aims to reduce these issues by holding all elections at the same time, starting from 2029.

This proposal suggests that conducting elections for the Parliament, state assemblies, and local bodies simultaneously will cut down on costs and administrative burden, making the electoral process more streamlined and efficient.

High-Level Committee and Report:

To assess this idea, the central government formed a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. After consultations with political parties and other stakeholders, the committee submitted its report, recommending simultaneous elections from 2029 onwards. Following this, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill.

What the Bill Proposes:

The bill seeks to synchronize the elections for the Parliament, state assemblies, and local bodies, conducting them simultaneously. This will purportedly reduce the costs and complexities associated with multiple elections, and also create a more predictable and efficient system. The aim is to hold elections at regular intervals, ensuring the political system operates smoothly without frequent disruptions.

Supporters of the Bill:

The political parties that support this bill argue that conducting simultaneous elections will reduce election-related expenditures and logistical issues. They believe it will also help in reducing the political uncertainty caused by frequent elections. The major parties supporting the bill are:

1. BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)
2. AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)
3. PAMAK (Pattali Makkal Katchi)
4. BJD (Biju Janata Dal)
5. JD(U) (Janata Dal-United)
6. SAD (Shiromani Akali Dal)
7. Shiv Sena
8. BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party)
9. Indian Republican Party
10. Maharashtra Wadi Gomantak Party
11. Hindustani Awaaz Morcha
12. Rastriya Lok Janata Dal

These parties argue that this plan will save money and resources, improve the election process, and lead to more effective governance by having fewer electoral processes disrupting the political landscape.

Opponents of the Bill:

On the other hand, political parties opposing the bill argue that it undermines the autonomy of state governments and could lead to centralization of power. They believe that having elections separately for the Parliament, state assemblies, and local bodies gives more power to the states and allows for more localized decision-making. Some key points raised by the opposition parties include:

• The potential for the central government to dominate the political landscape and reduce the significance of regional parties.
• The possibility of disregarding regional issues and local governance needs in favor of a uniform national policy.
• Concerns about the marginalization of smaller parties that may not have national appeal.

The parties opposing the bill include:

1. Congress
2. DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)
3. VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi)
4. MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)
5. AAP (Aam Aadmi Party)
6. CPI (Communist Party of India)
7. CPI(M) (Communist Party of India-Marxist)
8. SP (Samajwadi Party)
9. TMC (Trinamool Congress)
10. AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen)

These parties contend that the bill undermines federalism and shifts power disproportionately to the central government, leading to a more centralized, top-down system of governance that could stifle regional diversity and local issues.

Is this a Political Gamechanger?

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill has the potential to change the political dynamics of India. While supporters argue that it will reduce election-related costs and streamline the process, opponents feel it could marginalize states and regional issues. There is also the concern that frequent elections provide an essential check and balance system, ensuring that both state and national governments remain accountable to their people.

The bill also brings into question the balance of power between the central government and state governments. It could pave the way for more centralized control, making the government’s actions and policies more uniform across the country, which may not always be suitable for diverse states with different needs.

Conclusion:

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill has generated significant political debate. It is a proposal that addresses the practical concerns of election-related expenses and logistical issues, but it also raises important questions about federalism, states’ rights, and the future of India’s political system. Whether it will lead to a more efficient election system or shift the balance of power too far toward the center is a question that will continue to spark discussions in the coming days.