Unravelling strands of simultaneous polls debate

The cabinet's approval backed by PM Modi faces opposition over democratic concerns amid potential governance benefits

The Union Cabinet’s decision to accept the proposal of holding simultaneous elections, following the recommendations of the committee chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, marks a significant moment in India’s electoral landscape. The decision that could reshape the democratic fabric of the country aligns with a key promise in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 2024 manifesto and has been championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the proposal faces significant opposition from several political parties and activists who argue that it could undermine democratic accountability, although there are also some independent analysts who believe it has the potential to the shift the needle from politics to governance.

Given the debate that the Cabinet’s decision has stirred across political and legal circles, it is imperative to explore the historical context, key deliberations, proposed framework and the potential impact of implementing simultaneous elections in India. (HT File)