One Nation, One Election: Path to Unity or Undermining Democracy?

On the day, the Indian Parliament convened to mark the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, and the opposition accused the ruling party of subverting it, the government surprised everyone by introducing a bill titled “One Nation, One Election”.

The debate over the Adani issue had reached a boiling point. The opposition was relentless, and the ruling party was losing ground on the floor. The introduction of the bill served as a timely distraction, albeit temporarily.

This bill is widely perceived as a preliminary step towards tampering with the Indian Constitution, potentially weakening the country's already fragile federal structure during the BJP’s tenure.

With strong opposition, the bill narrowly passed the introduction phase.  Departing from BJP's usual practices, it had to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee before becoming law. The government, under pressure from the opposition, announced the formation of a joint parliamentary committee comprising 31 members, representing all political parties.

The prevailing question is why the BJP rushed to introduce this bill and why the opposition-led India Alliance opposes it so strongly if it aims to reduce expenses, resources, and administrative burdens by streamlining the election process, as seen in many neighbouring countries.

Hyderabad-based political science professor Dr Sanjeev Shekhawat observes, “if this bill’s sole purpose was to save budget or resources, I don’t think anyone would oppose it. However, the BJP’s intent seems to be the postponement of elections in states where its chances of forming a government are slim, such as Delhi.”

Shekhawat suggests that the recent Adani indictment in the US has created significant challenges for the BJP, pushing the party to divert public attention from the turmoil in Parliament.

He feels that the BJP, long seen as an opponent of the Indian federal system, is now centralising power and taking steps to amend constitutional provisions related to federalism, aligning with its ambition to rule India until 2047.

The opposition, led by Congress, alleges that the BJP has exploited electoral machinery during recent polls, making it nearly impossible for other parties to win. Examples include the Haryana and Maharashtra state elections, where the ruling party faced allegations of rigging and tampering with voting machines. The BJP has categorically denied these accusations, attributing them to Congress’s inability to accept its failures. 

Ram Nath Kovind Committee

The concept of simultaneous elections has been under discussion since last year when a nine-member committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was tasked with exploring the feasibility of one-time polling.

Their report, spanning over 18,500 pages, recommended simultaneous elections for 28 states and eight union territories, covering 900 million voters every five years. Based on this report, the bill was drafted and passed by a narrow majority in Parliament. 

While many analysts believe that simultaneous elections could save the exchequer significant funds, they also question the practicality of implementing such a massive electoral process. Would regional parties survive the BJP’s electoral dominance, or would they be overshadowed in state politics? The BJP’s stronghold in over a dozen states and its increasing influence in southern India raise further concerns. 

The financial implications are daunting. According to an unofficial study, the 2019 parliamentary elections cost approximately Rs 400 billion, making it one of the most expensive elections globally. These costs pertain only to parliamentary elections, excluding state, union territory, or municipal polls. 

Critics argue that the BJP spends disproportionately on elections, with allegations of cash hoarding during campaigns. Although such reports occasionally surface in mainstream media, they tend to disappear quickly. 

The opposition has raised logistical concerns. If elections in some states require five or six phases, how will simultaneous elections for Parliament and state assemblies across the entire country be managed? Questions also arise about the cost of polling staff, machines, and electoral infrastructure, which remain inadequately addressed. 

The Kovind report estimates that acquiring new voting machines alone would initially cost around Rs 93 billion. While some economic experts predict a potential GDP increase of 1.5% through one-time elections, the report lacks clarity on future budgets required for this mammoth exercise. 

Since the bill seeks to amend the Constitution, it must be passed by a majority of two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting. In addition, for it to become law, nearly half of India’s 28 states must ratify it through their local assemblies. This poses a challenge for the BJP, as even some of its allies oppose the idea. Additionally, a two-thirds majority in Parliament is required, a target the BJP is striving to achieve by persuading smaller parties. Analysts, however, anticipate significant resistance from various political factions. 

Big Questions Remain

Legal experts highlight another concern: if a state government is dissolved and President’s or Governor’s Rule is imposed, the affected state would have to wait for the next nationwide election, which could be years away. Historical precedents from the 1960s and 1970s show how such delays led to prolonged periods without democratically elected governments, for which the Congress government was widely criticised. 

While the Sarkaria Commission recommended strengthening federalism and empowering states, its proposals largely remained unimplemented. Congress now accuses the BJP of attempting to manipulate the Constitution to establish an authoritarian regime and erode democratic rights. Ranjit Singh, a Congress activist from Amritsar, claims, “The BJP has already violated the Constitution with its Hindutva agenda, dividing communities along religious, caste, and ethnic lines. It seeks to create a civil war-like situation in the country.” 

Reports suggest that media channels have been instructed to focus on the “One Nation, One Election” bill to divert attention from the opposition’s allegations of constitutional subversion, religious polarisation, and the Adani controversy. These issues have caused significant clashes between the opposition and the ruling party in Parliament, overshadowing the concerns of ordinary citizens. 

Unlike its earlier tenure, the BJP’s third-term government faces significant hurdles in amending the Constitution. It lacks the two-thirds majority needed and contends with a more emboldened opposition that is no longer cowed by investigative agencies. 

The growing frustration within the BJP is evident. Protests have erupted nationwide following Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks about Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution.

Dalit communities, comprising 17% of the population, have taken the lead in protest marches, with demonstrations spreading to states with substantial Dalit populations. Containing these protests has become increasingly difficult for the government. 

The unfolding political drama underscores a critical juncture in India’s democratic journey. Whether the “One Nation, One Election” bill will unite the nation or further divide it remains to be seen.