Ram Nath Kovind’s Panel Recommends Simultaneous Elections; BJP Heads To Fulfill One More Promise

The suggestion made by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to time the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections together is consistent with the long-term plan of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold simultaneous elections. Since the 1980s, the BJP has intermittently mentioned it in its election manifesto. It has presented the proposal as an electoral reform that would reduce polling costs and enable governments to continue operating without interruptions due to the election model code of conduct (MCC) being put into effect.

Prior to elections, the code requires a pause in the announcement of new programs. MCC does not, however, apply to ongoing initiatives or bar measures in an emergency.

A vigorous campaign has been spearheaded by the BJP to garner support for the “one nation, one poll” concept. It was first suggested by BJP veteran LK Advani, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pursued the idea assiduously.

In 2014 and 2019, the party’s election manifestos said the BJP is “committed to the idea of simultaneous elections for Parliament, State assemblies and local bodies to reduce expenditure, ensure efficient utilisation of government resources and security forces and for effective policy planning.”

The government think tank NITI Aayog supported simultaneous elections in a 2016 discussion paper, arguing that regular polling shifts the focus of policymaking by giving priority to politically safe and “short-sighted populist” policies over challenging structural reforms.

The 18,000-page report of the Kovind Committee, which suggests holding simultaneous elections, is a significant step toward the BJP’s fulfillment of another election pledge.

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There’s one more story going on

In the meantime, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has been undecided about rejoining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the BJP. Ahead of the 2009 national elections, the party severed its ties with the BJP due to differences over seat distribution.

Since 2014, the BJD has rejected approaches to join the NDA, but it has supported the government in Parliament. In the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling party has lacked support, it has aided the BJP in passing important bills. There are rumored to be leaders from both parties pushing for the alliance.

Prior to the national elections, regional parties like the Telegu Desam Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) joined the NDA