One Nation, One Election Gets Union Cabinet's Nod, Bill Likely To Be Tabled In Parliament During Winter Session

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, approved the "One Nation, One Election", which proposes holding the Lok Sabha and State Assembly Elections simultaneously, along with urban body and panchayat polls, within a span of 100 days. Following the approval, a comprehensive bill will be tabled in Parliament, likely during the ongoing Winter Session.

The Modi-led cabinet's nod came months after the former President Ram Nath Kovind-led high-level committee submitted its recommendations on holding the unified polls after due deliberations with all stakeholders for over a year.

According to the Centre this legislation will not only streamline the electoral process, but will also foster greater efficiency, and reduce the financial and administrative burden associated with conducting multiple elections at different times.

"One Nation, One Election envisions to synchronise the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies, allowing voters to cast their ballots for both polls simultaneously. By doing so, the government aims to address several challenges posed by the current system of staggered elections, which often lead to prolonged periods of electioneering, disruption in governance, and heightened expenditure," it said.