This is not the first time the Modi government has come up with the ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal. It has already been in the public domain for a long and was one of the core promises made in BJP's election manifesto. It is estimated that if the elections to Parliament and State Legislatures can be held simultaneously every five years, the cost of elections can be significantly reduced.

After independence, elections were held simultaneously in both parliament and state legislatures. However, it was short with many state governments falling apart without completing their term. With time, elections in India have turned akin to festivals taking place every year.

The Center had appointed a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to study the concept of one country one election and submit recommendations. The committee submitted its recommendation in favour of this almost three months back, however, the union cabinet approved the decision just the other day. With this, the single-election proposal has again become the subject of heated debate.

The Modi government is looking to introduce the bill during the Winter session of parliament in November. But, the proposal is certain to face roadblocks. A constitutional amendment is possible only if there is a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. In such a case, the constitutional amendment bills will be passed only if they can secure the support of 362 people in the Lok Sabha and 156 in the Rajya Sabha.

The government is trying to convince the opposition parties of the merits of a single election to secure their support. Despite attempts to pacify, the opposition parties are determined not to approve the proposal.

Even if a single election comes into effect, there will be a situation where elections will be required for the assemblies from time to time. If there is a phase where the cabinet gets dissolved due to various reasons, a new election will be necessary. The new provision demands the newly elected government to be in power only for the remaining period of the tenure. With such qualms remaining unanswered, it would be wise to discuss and analyse before jumping to any conclusions on the matter.

Although the administration leaders including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have vowed that the idea of ​​a single election will be implemented during this government, the chances remain slim. Along with the concept of a single election, the Center should also consider the implementation of the recommendations submitted by expert committees at various times regarding electoral reforms. The fact that the recent Lok Sabha elections took three months to complete remains a blot in our system.

An election schedule can be formulated with less time duration. Shortening the election period will also help in curbing the flow of black money.