India’s ruling party introduced a new bill on Tuesday proposing synchronized state and national elections, a move that could transform the world’s largest democratic process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) argue that the “One Nation, One Election” bill will cut election costs and simplify logistics. However, opposition parties criticize it, calling it a strategy to consolidate power.
Complex Elections in India
India’s general elections this year, where Modi secured a third term, lasted over six weeks. Managing an electorate of 968 million required massive efforts, including officials traveling on foot, by trains, helicopters, boats, and even camels or elephants to set up polling stations in remote areas.
Currently, state assembly elections happen separately from national elections. Many of India’s states have populations larger than most countries, making staggered elections a necessity.
What the Bill Proposes
According to the justice ministry, the bill aims to align election schedules for the national parliament and state assemblies.
The statement explained:
- The synchronized election timeline would tackle logistical challenges.
- It would reduce costs and minimize disruptions caused by frequent elections.
- Voters could cast ballots for both state and national governments on the same day, although voting might still occur in phases.
Strong Opposition
The main opposition party, Congress, rejected the bill outright. Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh labeled it “unconstitutional.”
MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, called the bill “impractical,” warning it could erode India’s federal structure and harm its diversity. Similarly, the All India Trinamool Congress in West Bengal criticized the proposal, describing it as a “power grab disguised as electoral reform.”
India’s Democratic Scale
With a population of 1.4 billion, every national election in India sets new records as the largest democratic exercise. The country includes 28 states and 8 Union Territories, making elections a complex and monumental task.
While the One Nation, One Election Bill promises efficiency, it faces strong opposition over concerns about centralization and governance challenges.
