The committee's members include Home Minister Amit Shah, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former Rajya Sabha opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad...
Digital Desk: Former President Ram Nath Kovind will host the first official meeting of the "One Nation, One Election" committee on Wednesday at his residence in Delhi, according to ANI, citing sources.
Last week, the Centre appointed an eight-member committee to investigate the idea of "One Nation, One Election," which envisions holding general elections and state Assembly elections simultaneously.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the decision, saying, "Right now, a committee has been constituted." The committee will issue a report, which will be discussed. There is no reason to be concerned because Parliament is mature and will hold talks. India is known as the "Mother of Democracy," yet there is always change. I'll go over the agenda for the Special Parliamentary Session."
The committee's members include Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former Rajya Sabha opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Finance Commission chairman N K Singh.
Chowdhury later rejected to serve on the panel, claiming that its "terms of reference have been prepared in such a way that its conclusions can be guaranteed."
The BJP applauded the "One Nation, One Election" initiative and stated that it is a requirement of the day, adding that the money spent on elections can be utilised for social programmes.
Shah emphasised for the "One Nation, One Election" idea in a letter to Law Commission Chairman BS Chauhan. With many elections taking place throughout the year, he highlighted in his letter that the Model Code of Conduct impedes the government's developmental work.
In the letter, written in Hindi, the BJP president listed Indonesia, Sweden, South Africa, Belgium, and Italy as events of successful simultaneous elections. Shah went on to explain how One Nation One Election is not similar to the Indian election system.
In India, elections are held in one state or another throughout the year, usually in one five-year Lok Sabha; on average, five to seven states hold assembly elections each year, along with polls for local bodies.
"Because of the current election process, the entire country is always in election mode, whether at the national, state, or local administration level, putting an immense load on the national treasury to ensure the smooth conduct of these periodic polls." This expenditure might be reduced by having all such elections at the same time every five years," Shah added.
With five states voting later this year and a few more voting in the General Elections in 2024, there is anticipation that "One Nation, One Election" may soon become a reality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed "One Nation, One Election" multiple times. In November 2020, he addressed a meeting of presiding officers, "One nation, one election is not only a matter of discussion, but a necessity for India." Every month, there is an election in India, which hinders development."
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