Is One Nation, One Election a DISASTER or MIRACLE for India? : Political strategy decoded

Summary

The video script discusses the 'One Nation, One Election' concept in India, a proposal to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. It explores the potential benefits, such as overcoming inefficiencies in the model code of conduct, reducing election expenses, and improving national security. However, it also highlights concerns, including the possibility of national issues overshadowing local ones and the risk of reduced political accountability. The script examines the historical context, current debates, and challenges of implementing this policy, urging viewers to form their own opinions.

Takeaways

• 📅 The Indian government is considering a proposal called 'One Nation, One Election', which aims to hold simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
• 🇮🇳 The proposal is not new; simultaneous elections were held from 1951 until 1967, but political instability disrupted this practice.
• 💼 The government argues that this policy could overcome the inefficiencies caused by the Model Code of Conduct, which currently halts new projects during election periods.
• 💸 Holding elections together could significantly reduce the high costs associated with conducting separate elections at different times.
• 👮‍♂️ The proposal could improve national security by reducing the need for extensive deployment of security forces for separate elections.
• 🗳 Some studies suggest that simultaneous elections might favor the dominant party, as voters' choices could be influenced by national issues overshadowing local ones.
• ⚖ The policy faces criticism that it could reduce the accountability of politicians, as they would not be under constant electoral pressure to perform well between elections.
• ⏳ Implementing this policy would require significant adjustments to the current terms of various state and central governments, which could be politically challenging.
• 🔄 If a state or central government collapses, it could disrupt the synchronized election schedule, posing a logistical challenge.
• 📊 The proposal is a subject of intense debate, with some viewing it as a revolutionary change and others as an abuse of power by the ruling party.

Q & A

What is the 'One Nation One Election' initiative in India?

The 'One Nation One Election' initiative proposes that elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies should be held simultaneously, allowing voters to cast their votes for both their state and national representatives at the same time.

Why did the practice of simultaneous elections end in 1967?

The practice ended due to political instability, such as the Congress party losing control in several states and the imposition of President's rule in some states, which led to de-linking the general election schedule from the state election schedule.

What are the primary benefits of holding elections simultaneously?

The primary benefits include overcoming the inefficiency of the model code of conduct, reducing the high cost of conducting elections, minimizing governance downtime, and improving security by not diverting forces for multiple elections.

How does the model code of conduct affect governance during elections?

The model code of conduct suspends the announcement of new development programs, welfare schemes, and capital projects from the time election dates are announced until the election process is complete, hindering governance activities.

What was the cost of the 2019 general elections in India?

The 2019 general elections in India cost approximately 60,000 crores, making it the world's most expensive election.

What additional costs are associated with conducting separate elections?

Additional costs include setting up polling stations, security arrangements, and logistics twice, as well as the indirect costs of governance downtime and the time officials spend on election duty instead of governance.

Why do some political parties oppose the 'One Nation One Election' initiative?

Opposition arises because studies suggest the top party is more likely to win both state and national elections if they occur together, national issues might overshadow local issues, and politicians would face less consistent pressure to perform well.

What challenge would implementing 'One Nation One Election' pose regarding government tenures?

It would require regulating the terms of various governments, potentially cutting short or extending terms to align with the new schedule, which could be unacceptable to many parties.

What is governance downtime, and how is it affected by elections?

Governance downtime refers to the time that government officials spend on election duty instead of governance. Simultaneous elections could reduce this downtime, allowing officials to focus more on governance.

What would be the impact on security forces during simultaneous elections?

Security forces, which are typically diverted for election duty, could maintain their primary duties more effectively if elections were held simultaneously, thereby improving overall security.