The Election Commission of India (ECI) is reportedly contemplating holding elections to the Parliament and also to assemblies in 12 states in January.
ECI commissioner Mr Rajiv Kumar told the media that the commission has the power to hold elections within six months before the term of Parliament expires. It holds the same with the assemblies of states as well. The present term of the Parliament will be in force till June 16, 2024. The ECI if decides to hold an earlier election may issue a notification in December 2023.
Similarly, the term of assemblies of 12 states are expiring at different times beginning from December 17, 2023, to January 5, 2025. These states include; Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
This could be termed as a semi-simultaneous election as a large part of the country will be going to polls at a time. It could be a prelude to the One Nation, One Election being mooted by the ruling BJP and its allies.
However, except for the BJP-ruled states, no other state has agreed to the One Nation, One Election and it is viewed as a wicked plan of Mr Modi and his coterie to damage the regional parties. The Opposition parties suspect the intention and timing of the BJP government in raking up the issue. They describe it as an attempt to dilute the democratic and federal spirit of the Constitution.
The BJP had already constituted a committee to study the One Nation, One Election feasibility and process involved for the purpose headed by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind. The Opposition parties decided to boycott the commission.
By Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao