The central government has accelerated efforts to introduce the 'One Nation, One Election' bill in Parliament. The government aims to table the bill during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. However, if this is not feasible, it intends to bring the bill in the next session of Parliament. The bill proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and various state assemblies, a move the government believes will streamline the electoral process.
A committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was set up by the government to examine the feasibility of the bill. The committee has made several recommendations, which were subsequently approved by the Union Cabinet. The bill is now set to be presented before Parliament for approval.
Once the bill is passed, elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha will be held together, marking a significant shift in India’s electoral calendar. Before being introduced in Parliament, the government plans to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The JPC will engage representatives from all political parties and seek their consent on the matter.
Additionally, the government has sought opinions from the speakers of all state assemblies on the bill. Experts, scholars, and members of civil society will also be included in the discussions surrounding the bill. Following these consultations, the government plans to solicit public feedback on the proposal, ensuring broad-based participation in the process.
