Unified Polls Proposal Faces Parliamentary Hurdles

New Delhi, India : The Modi government’s ambitious "One Nation, One Election" initiative faced significant opposition in Parliament on Tuesday. Two constitutional amendment bills proposing synchronized national and state elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha, with 269 members in favor and 189 opposed. While a simple majority sufficed for introduction, the government lacks the two-thirds majority needed for passage.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans to refer the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny, as recommended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during cabinet discussions. Opposition parties, under the INDIA bloc, criticized the initiative, arguing it undermines the Constitution’s federal structure and risks shifting toward a presidential style of governance. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor noted the government’s limited numbers for a two-thirds majority, while MP Manish Tiwari highlighted challenges in aligning state legislatures with national polls.

The proposal includes amending three constitutional articles and introducing Article 82A, potentially shortening certain Assemblies’ terms to align with general elections. Proponents cite reduced campaign costs and improved governance, while critics warn of risks to state autonomy and democratic processes.

The government’s decision to involve a JPC reflects the proposal's complexities and the need for consensus. Balancing electoral reform with constitutional integrity remains central to the ongoing debate.