CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the 101th day in power, Modi 3.0 set in motion the plan to implement the Prime Minister’s pet issue – One Nation, One Election (ONOE). Prime Minister Narendra Modi led cabinet “unanimously” accepted the recommendations of the high-powered panel led by former president Ramnath Kovind which studied the contentious issue. For its implementation during this tenure, the Modi government will take the “consensus” route.
The cabinet’s decision showed that the government has not given up on its key electoral promise and also gave a message that its reduced numbers in the last Lok Sabha polls was not an impediment to pushing the core agenda. The big political message is that it is generating a debate in the country on the issue which may find resonance among the youth and sections of society which is convinced by the argument that regular elections are a drain on the exchequer and leads to frequent disruptions of policy implementation. The government would attempt to create a “positive” debate in its favour.
However, the Opposition was quick to attack the government. Congress president Malikarjun Kharge said, “the ONOE was against the federal spirit, constitution and democracy. The country will not accept it. It was an attempt to divert attention.”
The One Nation, One Poll has two components: phase1 includes holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The second phase will include municipal and panchayat elections.
For the first phase, the move would need constitutional amendments where the bill must be passed by both Houses of the parliament. The constitutional amendments would need ratification by half of the States if the local bodies and panchayat polls were also to be held along with the general elections in the second phase.
The second phase is much more difficult for the government as the Opposition ruled states are against the proposal. Even the first phase where it would need passing by both the houses, the government would need some deft manoeuvring and political management as BJP does not have a majority on its own. It is dependent on its allies for support. Allies who are part of the government have expressed support for the move. However, even the first phase would need logistical support from the states as common electoral rolls have to be created.
