India Inc, represented by lobby groups Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has expressed support for the ‘One Nation One Election’ concept. This concept proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in order to minimize disruptions and decrease the additional costs associated with multiple elections.
FICCI has recommended that a single election be held every five years for the Union and the states, while CII suggested that elections be held in two phases. FICCI’s proposal also includes aligning the timings of local elections with the national elections to further streamline the electoral process and avoid frequent disruptions in governance.
The ‘One Nation One Election’ concept has gained traction in recent years, with proponents arguing that it would save time, money, and resources. Currently, India conducts elections at various levels of government throughout the year, leading to continuous political campaigning, implementation delays, and increased expenditure. Simultaneous elections would address these issues by enabling stable governance for a fixed tenure and reducing the financial burden on the government.
However, critics of the concept have raised concerns about its feasibility and potential drawbacks. They argue that simultaneous elections may dilute the significance of local issues and reduce voter turnout for non-national elections. Additionally, the logistical challenges and constitutional amendments required to implement the concept across the diverse Indian political landscape are significant hurdles.
Despite the debate surrounding the ‘One Nation One Election’ concept, India Inc’s support adds momentum to the discussion. The lobby groups believe that simultaneous elections would provide stability and predictability, which are essential for sustained economic growth and investor confidence. They also argue that frequent elections disrupt policy continuity and limit the implementation of long-term development plans.
The proposal by FICCI and CII comes at a time when the Indian government is actively exploring electoral reforms, including the ‘One Nation One Election’ concept. The Law Commission of India has sought public opinion on the matter, and political parties have expressed divergent views on its implementation.
As the debate continues, the endorsement from India Inc carries weight and may influence future discussions on electoral reforms in the country.
