One nation, one poll

THE first 100 days of Modi 3.0 have been marked by policy flip-flops prompted by coalition pressures. Dependent on allies for the first time in a decade to stay in power, the ruling BJP has struggled to come to terms with the changed reality. In a desperate effort to assert itself and appear unfazed by its weakened position in the Lok Sabha, the party has gone back to its ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) plank. In his Independence Day address last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to various political parties to unite in backing this initiative. He reiterated that frequent elections were impeding India’s progress. Now, it has been reported that the NDA government is optimistic about implementing this all-important poll reform during its current term.

This optimism, bordering on overconfidence, conveniently overlooks the fact that several Opposition parties have opposed the idea of holding simultaneous polls. The BJP’s renewed push for ONOE is understandable: it continues to be the predominant political party in the country despite the significant gains made by the Congress in this year’s Lok Sabha elections. The saffron party stands to benefit the most if voters exercise their franchise once in five years rather than every two years or so. However, regional parties not aligned with the NDA may be at a disadvantage if the Assembly and parliamentary polls — which are often contested on dissimilar issues — are held together.

A level playing field is a must in a democracy. The BJP would do well to try harder to build consensus on ONOE and dispel doubts raised by stakeholders regarding its feasibility. This will be an uphill task as the Opposition is no longer a pushover. The point that ‘one election’ will ensure continuity in governance and reduce the burden in terms of manpower and finances is well taken, but the threat it can pose to India’s federal structure should not be dismissed lightly.