Introduction:

Over the years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been an advocate for the concept of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. The initial practice of simultaneous elections, prevalent from the first elections in 1952 until 1967, gradually shifted due to the possibility of premature dissolution of the Lok Sabha and Assemblies. In response to this, the government has established a committee led by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind to investigate the feasibility of implementing the "one nation, one election" idea.

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In examining the potential advantages, one key aspect is the reduction in the cost associated with conducting elections. Simultaneous polls could facilitate the smooth operation of government machinery, ensuring continuity in both central and state government policies and programs. Additionally, holding elections less frequently could eliminate the need for the government to continually entice the public with lucrative schemes or develop programs based on caste and religion.

However, there are notable drawbacks to the concept. Logistically, conducting simultaneous polls would necessitate approximately double the number of electronic voting machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines. Furthermore, while it may benefit nationally dominant parties, regional players could face disadvantages, potentially hindering their ability to effectively address local issues. Additionally, the announcement of results would be delayed if elections were held in a single time frame.

Previous efforts to implement simultaneous elections, also known as "One Nation, One Election," date back to the Election Commission of India's formal proposal in its 1983 report. The commission emphasized that such an approach could reduce the frequency and associated costs of elections. The Law Commission of India also explored the issue, submitting multiple reports suggesting measures to synchronize the terms of state legislatures with those of the Lok Sabha. In 2017, Niti Aayog released a paper titled 'Election Time Table,' discussing the feasibility of simultaneous elections and presenting a practical roadmap for its implementation

Other Related Points to Consider

Has the idea of simultaneous polls been explored before?

What are the arguments around holding simultaneous elections?