New Delhi, Dec 12: The ruling BJP on Thursday took a major step to implement its key plank of “one nation, one election” as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, sources said.
Two draft legislations, including one simple bill to amend provisions in laws dealing with three Union territories with legislative assemblies to align them with the Constitution amendment bill, were given the nod by the Cabinet.
NPP’s Kharlukhi backs ‘one nation, one election’
NPP Rajya Sabha member Dr WR Kharlukhi has expressed his support for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, our reporter from Shillong adds.
“It’s fine if they can implement it. At least, in one go, elections across the nation will be completed, instead of holding them every year. However, whether it is feasible remains to be seen,” Kharlukhi said on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, the Union Cabinet approved bills to implement the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, with draft legislation likely to be introduced during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Kharlukhi further added, “This initiative will streamline and save everything—time, effort, and expenditure. I support ‘One Nation, One Election’ if it can be achieved.”
Earlier, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma also expressed his support for the initiative, describing it as a logical and practical step for the country.
The initiative, based on a report by a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, aims to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, urban bodies, and panchayats within the next 100 days.