Govt push for ONOP will test its ability to garner numbers

NEW DELHI: The NDA government’s ambitious plan for simultaneous national and state polls with the One Nation, One Election could be a test of its ability to muster the requisite numbers as it doesn’t have a two-third majority needed to push through a Constitution amendment under Article 368 in the Lok Sabha.

- Abraham Thomas

NEW DELHI: Former judges and constitutional experts are divided over the proposal to hold concurrent elections to state assemblies and Parliament, with one section saying it aligns with constitutional principles while the other warn of potential threats to democracy.

The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. If any assembly is dissolved during this period, mid-term polls would be held only for the remaining term.

"The objective of holding simultaneous elections seems to be correct. Personally, there is nothing wrong with it," former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi said. Referring to India's electoral history, he pointed out that simultaneous polls were the norm in the decades after Independence.

"This will give more time for governments to focus on development, infrastructure and welfare activities that can take the country forward."

He addressed concerns about the current electoral pattern where state elections draw national leaders for campaigns. "By holding simultaneous elections, top party leaders will not be going to every state. You must balance the demand of people with the interest of economy and development..."

Senior advocate and constitutional expert Rakesh Dwivedi supported this view. "We should not become a nation of elections. There are practical problems in holding elections throughout the year. These issues have been addressed by this law," he said.

Dwivedi dismissed concerns about constitutional challenges. "This bill certainly does not destroy or abridge the basic structure of the Constitution. It preserves federalism and democracy as the five-year tenure of assembly and the holding of separate elections, remain preserved."