There has been lot of buzz about holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Legislature. For the past one week again it gained momentum with Narendra Modi supporting it now. This proposal is not only being discussed in TV studios but the Centre is seeking inputs fro even ordinary citizens..There will be overwhelming support for this proposal because of the argument put forward in favour of it -- simultaneous elections will save a lot of money and will help the government carry forward the developmental projects without any hindrances. But here the real question is not desirability, but feasibility. Can simultaneous elections for both state and Central legislatures be implemented given federal nature of Indian democracy guaranteed by our constitution?
I feel the simultaneous elections are not feasible in India, because people in general have different perceptions as far as both elections are concerned. Assembly elections are more about local issues, which a general election can never focus on to that extent. Separate elections are essential as they may keep our politicians accountable. If they are assured of no election for the next five years, they are bound to become apathetic to the needs of the general public. In fact it becomes all the more significant in India as we don't have direct democratic device like "Right To Recall"
The Election Commission should be given more teeth, to find other ways to reduce costs in conducting elections rather than harming federalism and circumventing the constitution. Elections have never been a hindrance to governance as the code of conduct only ensure that government doesn't misuse policy announcements as inducements for voting. In fact if this is not the the government can go to EC to obtain permission to go ahead.
Most of the people they don't vote for the parties after studying and analysing their manifestos. But they are guided by other extraneous considerations, and external influences swayed by false promises and freebies. If it is simultaneous there are likely to be the twin blunders of voting for two parties and being ignorant about both.
We have had 16 general elections and a casual glance at the results would reveal the coalition governments were formed at the centre on more than six occasions with regional parties playing a crucial role. Quite a few states have been ruled by regional parties, eclipsing the national parties for decades. Even if simultaneous elections are held is there any guarantee that the elected governments will complete their full term rendering the idea of simultaneous elections irrational and unrealistic? Normally the single party rule belongs to a bygone era.
Therefore I'm of the firm opinion that the simultaneous elections can never be a solution.
The Election Commission should be given more teeth, to find other ways to reduce costs in conducting elections rather than harming federalism and circumventing the constitution. Elections have never been a hindrance to governance as the code of conduct only ensure that government doesn't misuse policy announcements as inducements for voting. In fact if this is not the the government can go to EC to obtain permission to go ahead.
Most of the people they don't vote for the parties after studying and analysing their manifestos. But they are guided by other extraneous considerations, and external influences swayed by false promises and freebies. If it is simultaneous there are likely to be the twin blunders of voting for two parties and being ignorant about both.
We have had 16 general elections and a casual glance at the results would reveal the coalition governments were formed at the centre on more than six occasions with regional parties playing a crucial role. Quite a few states have been ruled by regional parties, eclipsing the national parties for decades. Even if simultaneous elections are held is there any guarantee that the elected governments will complete their full term rendering the idea of simultaneous elections irrational and unrealistic? Normally the single party rule belongs to a bygone era.
Therefore I'm of the firm opinion that the simultaneous elections can never be a solution.
