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NDA’s 'One Nation One Election' Plan: Amit Shah's Vision and the Constitutional Hurdles Ahead

  • 17 Sep 2024 12:27 PM
  • One Nation One Election, NDA government reforms, Amit Shah, Indian election system
  • Introduction to the Proposal: The concept of 'One Nation One Election' has garnered significant attention under the NDA government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously noted that frequent elections impact economic development negatively. Building on this, Union Minister Amit Shah has confirmed the government's intention to implement this reform by the end of their third term, potentially starting in 2029.

  • Details of Amit Shah's Announcement: Amit Shah's recent statement has created buzz among political circles and the public. Although it has excited some supporters, particularly from the YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh, the practical implementation of 'One Nation One Election' involves a complex and lengthy process. Shah’s announcement provides a broad outline but lacks specific details about the exact timing of the elections.

  • Challenges and Constitutional Amendments: The shift to a single national election requires extensive constitutional changes. The Law Commission has recommended 18 amendments to facilitate this transition. These amendments focus on synchronizing parliamentary and assembly elections while ensuring local body elections occur within 100 days. Despite most amendments not needing state assembly ratification, the process of obtaining approval from state governments and passing the necessary bills in Parliament is expected to be intricate and challenging.

  • Political Reactions and Process: Political reactions, including those from YSR Congress supporters, reflect the broader interest and implications of the reform. However, implementing 'One Nation One Election' involves numerous steps, including consultations with state governments and securing parliamentary approval. The transition to a unified electoral system will be a significant and complex endeavor.

  • Conclusion: The 'One Nation One Election' proposal represents an ambitious effort to streamline India's electoral process. However, it faces substantial constitutional and logistical challenges. As the NDA government progresses with this plan, navigating the legal and political complexities will be crucial to achieving a unified electoral system.