Will Modi's Term See 'One Nation, One Election' Implemented?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, had made a strong pitch for the 'one nation, one election' (ONOE) concept. This idea stands as a key promise in the poll manifesto of the BJP-led NDA government. As the coalition completes its first 100 days in office under PM Modi's leadership, there is anticipation that this significant pledge will be fulfilled. 
 
In his address last month, PM Modi called for a single synchronized election across the country and urged all political parties to come together and make it a reality. The Union government believes implementing ONOE would help curb excessive spending on multiple elections, end continuous poll cycles, and redirect focus towards governance instead. 
 
However, critics argue that such an approach could homogenize India's diverse political landscape and overlook regional concerns. 
 
A panel led by former president Ram Nath Kovind was established back in September 2023 to study simultaneous parliamentary assembly and local body polls. After conducting extensive consultations with stakeholders over 191 days along with thorough research into the matter, they submitted their report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year. 
 
One of their main recommendations included holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies as an initial step, followed by local body polls within 100 days thereafter. They suggested adding Article 82A to the Constitution, which mandates that terms of legislative assemblies constituted after appointed dates end upon expiry of the full term of Lok Sabha post-general elections. 
 
The panel also recommended amending Article 325 to allow the Election Commission of India's (ECI) preparation of a single electoral roll and the elector’s photo identity card (EPIC) alongside State Election Commission consultation. Another proposal includes creating an 'implementation group' dedicated to executing these recommendations effectively. 
 
To implement these changes successfully however requires passing certain Constitution amendment bills through Parliament, although most proposed amendments won't need ratification from state assemblies. 
  
Views were taken from representatives across forty-seven different political parties during committee discussions, including Congress party members, Left parties, and Trinamool Congress. Fifteen of these parties opposed the idea. 
 
Congress leader P Chidambaram dismissed the ONOE concept, stating it's not possible under the current Constitution as it would require at least five constitutional amendments. He also pointed out that PM Modi currently lacks the necessary numbers to place such amendments in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. 
 
Chidambaram further stated, "The INDIA bloc is totally opposed to 'One Nation, One Election," expressing his party’s opposition during a press conference held in Chandigarh on Monday. 
 
In conclusion, while PM Modi’s call for ‘One Nation, One Election’ has gained significant attention, its implementation faces multiple challenges, including constitutional changes and political consensus. It remains to be seen how this ambitious project can be realized given India's diverse political landscape.