As the Union Government has constituted a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the possibility of ‘One Nation, One Election’, former Chief Election commissioner OP Rawat weighed in on the matter, saying it was possible and all that is needed is an amendment in the Constitution and said that the, “Framers of the Constitution had kept the provision of ‘One Nation One Election’ in the law and in the Constitution. In 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967, both State assembly and nation happened together. Since 1967, it started going out of sync and started the phenomenon round the year election. The election commission had in the year 1982-83 put forward a suggestion to bring an amendment (to the relevant law) so that one nation one election can again be held simultaneously. The suggestion did not fructify then.
“In 2015, the Government asked the election commission whether one nation one election was possible, to which it replied ‘Yes it is and we can do it if the constitution is amended’ and amendments are made in Representation of the People Act, 1951 ” he added.
Asked what is the difficulty in implementing it, he said, “There is one difficulty in the present situation and that is to make amendments in the constitution and law. It is the Government’s responsibility to make those amendments through the Parliament and by taking all political parties on board. Without amendments, the election commission is bound by law to hold elections as and when polls are due in the States.”
He was also asked what could be the benefit of implementation of ‘One Nation One Election’. He said though there was no empirical study done on the matter, he, however, contended subjective impressions suggest that a round-the-year election process keeps political leaders busy in poll-related matters and in the process, their main role of governance takes a hit.
“Implementation of one nation one election may lead to focused governance for the people and the political leaders and administration will have more time on their hands.”
Former Law Secretary PK Malhotra also delved on the matter. Malhotra said, ” ‘One Nation, One Election’ is not being raised for the first time. It has been debated earlier also…Our PM has also from time to time said that the time has come when we should re-examine the issue and see that it is one nation, one election in the country…The committee which has been announced by the Government under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind will deliberate on the issues and come out with a solution…”.
Vikas Singh, former additional solicitor general of India and President, Supreme Court Bar Association said “One Nation One Election will reduce costs of holding elections. Overall it is a good move. The committee in itself is not capable of implementing it, constitutional amendment is needed and which can only be done by the Parliament.
Amendments in Article 83 (which delves on Parliament’s tenure), Article 172 (tenure of State assemblies) are required while the anti-defection law has to strengthened.”
The Government has decided to call a Special Session of Parliament from September 18-22 where it is speculated that the Government could bring a bill for this proposal to take effect.
Simultaneous elections for the State assemblies and the Lok Sabha were held till 1967. However, in 1968 and 1969 some legislative assemblies were dissolved prematurely followed by the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1970. This forced a change in electoral schedules for the States and the country.
Several political leaders reacted to the Centre’s move
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking about ‘One Nation, One Election’ and said “One Nation, One Election is a gift to the nation from the Prime Minister”.
While addressing the media, he termed the decision landmark one. “Today, PM Narendra Modi has taken a very landmark decision by appointing a commission to look after the issue of ‘One Nation, One Election’. I am very happy that a person of stature like Ram Nath Kovind has accepted the offer. Multiple elections involve lots of money, and because every time India is in election mode, development suffers a lot.”
He further stated that this decision by PM Modi will lead to a reduction in expenditure during the election and will make the country a ‘Vishwaguru’. “PM Modi has correctly realised and is advocating that ‘One Nation, One Election’ takes India to a different level. Expenditure will reduce, development will continue for the next 5 years, and our country will become Vishwaguru” he said.
Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and State Congress chief Kamal Nath has also reacted to ‘One Nation, One Election’ and said that the constitutional amendment in Parliament is not an issue, approval is needed from the States.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath speaking about ‘One Nation, One Election’ said that in a democratic set-up, with stability of Government, speedy governance is needed for development and with this point of view, ‘One Nation, One Election’ is a commendable attempt.
Speaking to the media CM Yogi said, “For a rich democracy, political stability is really important and in a democratic set-up, with the stability of GFovernment, speedy governance is needed for development, with this point of view ‘one nation, one election’ is a commendable attempt.”
Expressing his views on the policy, CM said, “We are happy that the committee formed for ‘One Nation, One Election’ is formed under the chairmanship of our former President.
“For this innovative initiative, I whole heartedly want to thank PM Modi on behalf of citizens of Uttar Pradesh,” CM Yogi further added.
Highlighting the importance of the proposal, Yogi Adityanath said, ‘One Nation, One Election’ is the need of the hour and it is important as elections which were being held time and again act as an obstacle in the path of development because election procedures take at least a month and a half’s time which obstructs the development process. So it is important that Loksabha elections, Assembly elections and other kinds of elections be held at the same time.”
“This is a great initiative not only for development but for the prosperity of democracy and stability of democracy and I welcome this initiative,” said the Chief Minister of UP.
(with inputs from ANI)
