Law Commission submits draft report endorsing 'One Nation One Poll' and reveals each party's stand. Read here

In a major boost to the push to bring concurrency between Lok Sabha and state assembly polls in India, the Law Commission has submitted its draft report on 'One Nation One Poll', endorsing the concept of simultaneous elections.

COMPATIBILITY WITH CONSTITUTION

In its draft report, the Law Panel has categorically stated that 'One Nation One Poll' and the basic structure of the Constitution are mutually compatible:

"Even by any stretch of imagination, it cannot be argued that holding simultaneous elections would adversely interfere with basic structure of the Constitution. Therefore, the Commission comes to the inescapable conclusion that restoring simultaneous elections will, in no way, affect the basic structure of the Constitution, democracy and the quasi-federal nature of the Constitution." 

LAW PANEL BACKS PRESUMED BENEFITS OF SIMULTANEOUS POLLS

The report also weighs in on the twin notions that simultaneous elections would bring the country out of the constant cycle of elections, and reduce expenditure, time spent and workforce:

"Simultaneous elections can be seen as a solution to prevent the country from being in constant election mode. Thus reducing government expenditure substantially, not diverting the already short-numbered security forces, and above all, without causing harm to the constitutional and democratic set up of the country," the report further added.

A VIABLE ENVIRONMENT NECESSITATING 'ONE NATION ONE POLL'

It proceeds to lay out a clear conclusion:

"In view of the foregoing discussions, the Commission is convinced that there exists a viable environment necessitating the holding of simultaneous elections to the House of the People and the 18 State Legislatures.

THE VIEWS OF THE PARTIES

Earlier, the Law Commission had sought responses from political parties over One Nation One Poll, in which a number of parties submitted their views. In the report, the Law Panel has revealed each party's submission on simultaneous polls:

For simultaneous polls- Akali Dal, AIADMK, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha, Samajwadi Party, TRS, TDP (but apprehensive about implementation), Bodoland Peoples Front, NISHAD Party, YSRCP, BJD, BJP

Against simultaneous polls- All India Trinamool Congress, Goa Forward Party, CPI, AIUDF, India Union Muslim League, DMK, All India Forward Bloc, JD(S), AAP, Indian National Congress

 

 

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