Introduction
The concept of One Nation One Election (ONOE) has sparked a heated debate in Indian politics. This proposal suggests holding elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies rather than spreading them throughout the year. Proponents claim it will cut costs and boost governance, while opponents worry it might undermine federalism and state independence.
This blog delves into ONOE’s history, explores why it’s back in the spotlight, examines committee recommendations, weighs the pros and cons, and looks at potential next steps.
What is One Nation One Election?
One Nation One Election means lining up elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies so people can vote for both at once. Some ideas even suggest bringing local body elections into the mix.
Right now, India sees elections almost every year in different states. This leads to the Model Code of Conduct kicking in often, shifts in how things are run, and big costs. ONOE aims to make this process smoother and cut down on these shake-ups.
Historical Background
From 1951–52 to 1967, India held elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies at the same time.
This pattern ended when some assemblies dissolved because of political unrest, and later in 1970 when the Lok Sabha broke up before its full term ended.
Since then, elections have taken place at different times creating the mixed-up election schedule we see now.
Over time several groups have proposed going back to holding elections together:
The Election Commission (1983) pointed out the need to cut down on frequent elections.
The Law Commission’s 170th Report (1999) backed this idea.
In 2018, the Law Commission looked again at whether ONOE could work and suggested changes to the constitution.
Recent Developments: Kovind Committee and Parliamentary Steps
The concept gained traction once more in September 2023 when India’s government established a High-Level Committee with former President Ram Nath Kovind at the helm. This committee examined the constitutional legal, and logistical aspects to implement ONOE.
Key updates include:
The Kovind Committee Report (2024) put forward a plan to bring in simultaneous polls step by step starting with Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Two key bills were brought before Parliament — a Constitutional Amendment Bill (129th) and an Amendment to Union Territory Laws (2024).
These bills were sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of 39 MPs led by BJP MP P. P. Chaudhary, which keeps meeting talking to experts, and asking for public input.
Parliament has given the JPC more time to work, as the matter needs complex changes to the constitution.
What the Committees Have Suggested
Synchronisation of Polls – The government plans to hold Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections at the same time. They aim to line up local body polls within 100 days.
Appointed Date – The government will pick a set date to start the synchronisation cycle.
Constitutional Amendments – The government might add new rules like Article 324A to give Parliament the power to make laws for elections happening together.
Statutory Amendments – The government will change existing laws like the Representation of the People Act.
Term Adjustments – Some assemblies might see their tenure cut short or made longer once, to match the Lok Sabha’s term.
Public Participation – The government gathers citizen input through official websites and talks with experts.
Benefits of One Nation One Election
Those in favor point out several plus points of ONOE:
Cost Savings: One election cycle cuts down spending on logistics, security, and workforce.
Administrative Efficiency: Limits repeated Model Code of Conduct impositions and allows officials to concentrate on governing.
Stability in Governance: Governments can put long-term policies into action without constant election pressures.
Voter Convenience: People can vote for state and national representatives at the same time cutting down on tiredness.
Efficient Use of Security Forces: Security and administrative staff don’t need to mobilize many times a year.
Reduced Populist Politics: Restricts tactical dissolutions and frequent campaigning promoting more policy-driven leadership.
Challenges and Criticisms
Even with its benefits, ONOE faces heavy criticism:
Constitutional Hurdles: It needs big changes to the constitution and maybe approval from half the states.
Federal Concerns: States say that combining elections takes away their freedom.
Political Opposition: Many local parties worry their issues will get lost in national campaigns.
Term Adjustments: Shortening or lengthening some assemblies’ terms might seem unfair.
Logistical Issues: Running elections across the whole country at once is a huge task.
Centralisation of Power: Some warn that national parties could take over leaving less room for local issues.
Legal and Constitutional Changes Needed
To put ONOE into action, these steps are needed:
Changes to the Constitution (Articles about the Lok Sabha and Assemblies’ term).
Updates to the Representation of the People Act (1951) and state laws.
Possible approval by at least half the states, based on how big the changes are.
Setting an Appointed Date to sync everything up.
Where Things Stand (as of 2025)
The Kovind Committee has turned in its report.
Parliament has put forward and sent ONOE bills to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
The JPC continues to examine the proposal, talk to experts, and get public input.
The full rollout won’t happen before 2029, as it needs legal groundwork and agreement among politicians.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Saves money and reduces election fatigue | Requires multiple constitutional amendments |
| Improves governance and policy stability | May undermine state autonomy |
| Frees up security and administrative resources | Term adjustments may appear unfair |
| Predictable election cycle | Risk of overshadowing local issues |
| Encourages long-term planning | Logistical complexity at large scale |
Cuts costs and lessens election burn out Needs several changes to the constitution Boosts governance and keeps policies steady Could weaken state power Frees up security and admin resources Term changes might seem unfair Makes election cycles more predictable Might overshadow local concerns Promotes long-term thinking Huge logistical challenge
Conclusion
One Nation One Election isn’t a fresh concept — India kicked off its democracy with joint polls back in the 1950s. But political ups and downs broke that pattern, and now we see elections almost every year.
The new push, with support from the Kovind Committee and ongoing talks in parliament, shows the government means business about change. If it goes through, ONOE could shake up Indian democracy by cutting costs and making governance more stable. Still, it brings up real worries about states’ rights how to make it work, and keeping things fair.
In the end, ONOE’s success will come down to getting politicians to agree making sure the constitution protects everyone, and finding a balance between what’s good for the country and what’s good for each state. This talk will keep shaping how India’s democracy grows.
