One nation, one election is key item on BJP's agenda and was a part of it's manifesto for 2024 election Loksabha polls.This idea itself is more a reflection of the BzjP leadership's desperation to assert itself after a series of recent policy reversals due to pressure from a rejuvenated opposition and resistance from it's own allies.But on careful examination I found , except the cost factor,there's no other point worth considering, Simultaneous Elections in diverse and populous country like India raise significant concerns .AS such, election is an opportunity for the people to demonstrate their democratic sanctioned resentment over the policies and programs of the government, People exercising this right to ventilate their agreement or disagreement over the governments in the centre or state shouldn't be curtailed just to avoid expenses. THE EXPectations of the people beingstate specific in assembly Elections and nation specific in parliament Elections ,there's possibility of either of them getting swayed by the general mood.Possobility of holding Elections in massive way is not practically feasible. HAVE we not seen the inability of ECI
to hold Elections in few states at one stroke? EVEN today the ECI is not able to hold Elections to Maharashtra along with J&K, HP.Even Elections to the state assmbliesare held in multiple slots.We have also seen Commission rendered helpless to deal properly with violationsreported during last general Elections.
Coalition and subsequent collapse of governments in multipurpose system in India are not uncommon in various states.Under new poll plan ,there could be more political meddling.. Logistics , security concerns and risk of undermining regional issues are critical challenges, Moreover it's generally believed that clubbing of assembly & parliament will put BJP in an advantageous position.For many regional parties this could swell
disaster as they risk being overshadowed by national dynamics favouring BJP. IN Acountry as diverse as India where regional identities and local issues often play a crucial role in Elections, a unified national election could lead to centralisation of political Power leaving regional voices marginalised.As such, the Union Cabinet's approval for " one nation ," one election"is at best an attempt by BJP to build a narrative for the introduction of Presidential system while the opposition called it as an impractical idea which goes against the federal principles, the constitution, and democracy
