Cabinet approves Kovind panel's 'One Nation, One Election' plan

Sources suggest the Law Commission may recommend simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies starting in 2029

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In a step towards holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election’.

Addressing a press conference, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative would be implemented in two phases, emphasising that the proposal had received support from many parties.

Several opposition parties, including the Congress, AAP, and Shiv Sena (UBT), have opposed simultaneous polls, alleging that it would benefit the ruling party at the Centre.

“A common electoral roll will be created for all elections. An implementation group will be formed to advance the recommendations of the Kovind panel,” Vaishnaw said.

In its voluminous 18,626page report, the panel, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, suggested simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies as the first step. For this, the approval of the states is not required for the constitutional amendment.

When asked when the recommendations could be implemented and whether a Bill would be introduced in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, Vaishnaw avoided a direct reply but pointed out that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had stated the government would implement it during its current tenure.

After discussions are completed, implementation will follow in stages, and the government will aim to build consensus over the next few months, he said.

Once the consultation process is over, the government will draft a Bill, present it to the Cabinet, and subsequently take it to Parliament for simultaneous polls to take effect, he added.