High-Level Committee on One Nation One Election Initiates Consultations with State Election Commissioners

New Delhi:  In a significant development towards the ambitious initiative of ‘One Nation One Election,’ the High-Level Committee (HLC) headed by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, along with members Shri Subhash Kashyap, Shri N. K. Singh, and Shri Sanjay Kothari, commenced discussions with State Election Commissioners (SECs). The committee aims to gather valuable insights and opinions from various regions on the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections across the country.

The meeting, held today, saw active participation from Shri Madhukar Gupta, State Election Commissioner of Rajasthan, Shri Sanjay Shrivastava, Former State Election Commissioner of UT Delhi and Chandigarh, and Dr. Dalip Singh, former State Election Commissioner of Haryana. The interactions were facilitated by Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary to the HLC.

The One Nation One Election proposal has been a subject of deliberation and debate, seeking to synchronize the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to streamline the democratic process and reduce the frequency of elections. The move aims to enhance governance efficiency, reduce the burden on resources, and minimize disruptions caused by continuous election cycles.

During the discussions, the HLC members sought the perspectives of the SECs on the practical challenges and potential benefits associated with implementing the One Nation One Election concept. The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that the proposed electoral reforms align with the constitutional principles and the diverse socio-political landscape of the country.

Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman of the HLC, expressed his commitment to fostering a collaborative approach in shaping the electoral landscape of India. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ground-level challenges faced by different states in implementing simultaneous elections.

The consultations are expected to continue in the coming weeks, involving interactions with more State Election Commissioners from across the country. The HLC is determined to gather diverse perspectives and insights, considering the unique characteristics of each state in order to formulate a well-informed and inclusive policy recommendation.

The initiative has garnered attention and anticipation from various quarters, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these consultations. As the discussions progress, the nation looks forward to witnessing how the vision of ‘One Nation One Election’ unfolds and its potential impact on the democratic fabric of India.