Reason, not rhetoric, must drive ONOE

The BJP-led NDA government has made a momentous move by introducing the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in Parliament this week.

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The long-awaited bill aims to streamline the electoral process for 28 states and eight union territories, with an electorate of nearly a billion voters.

The bill has triggered widespread debate, significant interest, and opposition from various parties.

Though momentum is building for simultaneous elections, some questions need answers with constitutional and political challenges ahead.

Does Prime Minister Modi have the required two-thirds majority to get the bill passed in Parliament? Is there a political consensus? Will the Opposition make it a controversial issue? Is the timing of the bill right?

Most Opposition parties reject the idea of simultaneous polls. They include the Congress, the Left parties, the Trinamool Congress, and regional and smaller parties.

They reject it mainly to settle political scores and the apprehension that the move may benefit the BJP.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind chaired a nine-member committee which recommended simultaneous polls last year, labelling it a 'game changer'.

Thirty-two parties supported the concept, and 15 rejected it. The panel also advised that the Centre form a panel to oversee the implementation of the proposal. Also, there should be a joint electoral roll for all elections so that voters will use the same list for national, state, and local polls.