"Landmark decision": Assam CM on PM Modi appointing commission on 'One Nation One Election'
Sep 01, 2023
Dispur (Assam) [India], September 1 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, speaking on 'One Nation One Election' said that it is a landmark decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma said, "Today PM Narendra Modi has taken a very landmark decision by appointing a commission to look after the issue of 'One Nation, One Election'. I am very happy that a person of stature like Ram Nath Kovind Nath has accepted the offer".
"Multiple elections involve lots of money and because every time India is in election mode development suffers a lot...", the Assam CM added.
The Union government has constituted a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the possibility of 'One Nation, One Election' which envisages the holding of general election and state Assembly elections simultaneously.
Sources said that the committee will explore the possibility of bringing legislation regarding it. A parliamentary standing committee, the Law Commission and Niti Ayog had earlier examined the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal and submitted reports on the subject.
The government has decided to call a Special Session of Parliament from September 18-22 where it is speculated that the government could bring a bill for this proposal to take effect.
With five states going to the polls later this year and a few more to go to polls with the General Elections due in 2024 there is speculation that 'One Nation, One Election' could become a reality very soon.
If 'One Nation, One Election' does come into effect it could mean that elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across India will be held simultaneously, with voting taking place at the same time.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, earlier today, took a jibe at the central government over appointing the former President as the head of the committee.
"I am seeing this for the first time that a former President has been made chairman of a committee formed by govt. Former Chief Justice and former SC judges could have done it. They finished the dignity of the post of President as the inauguration (of the new Parliament building) was done by the PM instead of the President. Now by doing this, they are setting a wrong tradition..." Tiwari said.
