Government Likely to Push Through One Country One Election Bill Amid Raising Bidding from Opposition

The Indian government is set to bring the long-pending One Country One Election (ONOE) bill into session, possibly in this session or the next, following the approval of the report by a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

According to sources cited by India Today, the cabinet has given its nod to the bill, which aims to introduce simultaneous elections for all levels of governance. To ensure broad consensus on the legislation, the government may seek input from a joint parliamentary committee (JPC), comprising representatives from all political parties and state assembly Speakers.

This initiative comes as opposition lawmakers have repeatedly expressed concerns over the proposed onoe idea citing its impracticality, undemocratic nature, and constitutional implications.

Currently, the Narendra Modi-led NDA holds a simple majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha but may face challenges in securing a two-thirds majority to implement the bill. The government would need to pass at least six amendments to the Constitution for this purpose.

While opposition parties perceive onoe as an attempt by the ruling party to save time, money, and effort associated with recurrent elections, supporters argue that simultaneous polls can facilitate governance efficiency.

A study team headed by Former President Kovind suggested synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections first, followed by municipal and panchayat board competitions. According to their proposals: once the general election convenes in any parliament session, President would issue a notification specifying an appointed date after the general election and if they are formed afterwards shortens terms of newly-constituted legislative assemblies.

These moves will allow voters to cast ballots only once, as proposed by NDA supporters. But, critics raise that the procedure could further complicate governance in the country especially following India's federal principles