Addressing the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) panel, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, recently expressed his support for the concept of simultaneous elections in India. This view was shared by many other leaders present at the meeting, making it a significant step towards adopting this new electoral system.
Simultaneous elections, also known as ‘One Nation, One Poll’, has been a topic of much debate and discussion in India in recent times. Under this system, the central and state elections would be held together, once every five years. This would eliminate the need for separate elections and by-elections, which are often seen as a drain on the resources and time of the country.
Azad described simultaneous elections as a “win-win scenario” for the country. He stated that the current system of frequent elections not only imposes a financial burden on the government but also hinders the progress and development of the nation. With simultaneous elections, the country’s focus can be on governance and policies rather than constantly preparing for elections. This will also lead to the smooth functioning of the government and continuity of policies, which is crucial for long-term development.
Azad further emphasized that simultaneous elections will also reduce the influence of money and muscle power in the elections. Currently, in the absence of a synchronised election system, candidates often resort to unethical means to win elections, resulting in money and muscle power playing a significant role in the political process. With a simultaneous election, this issue can be effectively tackled, leading to a fair and transparent electoral process.
Moreover, simultaneous elections will also ensure equal participation of all political parties at the state and central level. As the focus will be on one election, smaller and regional parties will have better chances of competing with national parties. This will lead to a more diverse and representative government at both the state and central level.
The JPC panel, which is studying the feasibility of simultaneous elections, also received suggestions from other political leaders, including Congress leader Ahmed Patel, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury and TMC MP Derek O’Brien. Patel stated that simultaneous elections will save Bihar alone around Rs. 5,000 crores, which can be utilized for development purposes. Yechury highlighted the need to amend the Constitution to implement simultaneous elections, while O’Brien proposed a pilot project to test the practicality of the system.
These views of political leaders underline the potential benefits of simultaneous elections for the country. However, for the successful implementation of this system, it is essential to address certain challenges and concerns. One of the primary concerns is that it may curtail the federal structure of the country, as smaller parties and regional issues may get overlooked in a national-level election. To address this, experts suggest that the decentralization of power and financial resources should be ensured to empower state governments.
Another challenge is the premature dissolution of state assemblies. To address this, experts suggest the need for a fixed tenure for state assemblies and provision for a separate no-confidence motion for state governments. The Election Commission has also suggested the need for state funding of elections to ensure a level playing field for all parties.
In conclusion, the idea of simultaneous elections has received widespread support and is now being considered by the JPC panel. It has the potential to bring many positive changes in the country’s political and administrative system, including saving time, money and resources, and promoting good governance. However, it is crucial to address the challenges and concerns associated with this system before its implementation. With the collective efforts of all political parties and the government, simultaneous elections can become a reality in India and lead us towards a more efficient and progressive future.
