One Nation- One Election History

Since the beginning of electioneering in our country , elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies were held simultaneously from 1951 to 1967. The first general elections to both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies took place together in 1951-52, and this practice continued for the next three general elections in 1957, 1962, and 1967.

However this practice was disrupted in 1968 and 1969 due to the early dissolution of certain state assemblies.

Kovind Committee formed in 2023

On 2nd September 2023, Modi government formed the High-Level Committee to explore the possibilities of simultaneous elections, The committee was led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee's main task was to assess the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Committee submitted report in September 2024

The committee led by Kovind apart from other recommendations also concluded that conducting multiple elections each year has a detrimental impact on the economy, politics, and society. It recommends reinstating simultaneous elections to alleviate this burden. The high-level panel on 'One Nation, One Election' examined the election processes in six countries, including South Africa, Sweden, and Belgium. Additionally, the committee analyzed the electoral models of Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Germany.

Government introduces the bill

On December 17, Modi government introduced the 'One Nation, One Election' Bills even as the Congress and other opposition parties have opposed the bill.

The bills were introduced in the lower house by law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in Lok Sabha.

Division of votes was conducted which resulted in 269 members ( NDA) supporting the introduction of the bills, while 198 ( INDIA bloc) opposed it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the House that the government was prepared to refer the two bills to a joint committee of Parliament for further detailed consideration.

This 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, which aims to implement simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further consideration.