Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the BJP-led NDA government will implement the 'One Nation, One Election' policy in its current tenure. Addressing a press conference here to mark the 100 days of the third consecutive term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said, "We plan to implement'One Nation, One Election' in the present tenure of this government.

Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the BJP-led NDA government will implement the 'One Nation, One Election' policy in its current tenure. Addressing a press conference here to mark the 100 days of the third consecutive term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said, "We plan to implement'One Nation, One Election' in the present tenure of this government." Shah was flanked by Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw at the press conference. In his Independence Day address last month, the prime minister had made a strong pitch for 'One Nation, One Election', contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress. "The nation has to come forward for 'One Nation, One Election'," Modi had said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Also read: Arvind Kejriwal resigns as Delhi CM, Atishi stakes claim to form government 'One Nation, One Election' was one of the key promises made by the BJP in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. A high-level panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind had in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days. Separately, the Law Commission is likely to recommend holding simultaneous polls for all three tiers of government -- Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats – starting in 2029 and a provision for a unity government in cases such as a hung house or when a no-confidence motion is passed. The Ram Nath Kovind-led committee has not specified any period for rolling out simultaneous polls. It has proposed creation of an 'Implementation Group' to look into the execution of the panel's recommendations. The panel recommended as many as 18 constitutional amendments, most of which will not need ratification by the state assemblies. However, these would require certain Constitution amendment bills that would need to be passed by the Parliament. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Amit Shah promises ‘One Nation, One Election’ in NDA’s present term as Modi 3.0 marks 100 days

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in India would implement "One Nation, One Election" within its current tenure, the news agency PTI reported on Sunday (Sept 15), citing sources.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in India would implement "One Nation, One Election" within its current tenure, the news agency PTI reported on Sunday (Sept 15), citing sources. The sources said that as the third term of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 100 days in office, the cohesion within the ruling alliance will continue for the rest of the tenure. "Definitely, it will be implemented in this tenure itself. It will be a reality," one source told PTI on the condition of anonymity. What is 'One Nation, One Election'? The central idea behind 'One Nation, One Election' is to synchronise the timing of the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections across all states and Union Territories (UTs) to reduce the frequency of elections in India. Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle got broken, and now elections are held almost every year and within a year too at different times, which results in massive expenditure by the government and other stakeholders, besides diversion of security forces. The BJP promised 'One Nation, One Election' in its manifesto for the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Modi makes strong pitch for 'One Nation, One Election' During his Independence Day speech on August 15, Prime Minister Modi made a strong pitch for "One Nation, One Election", contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress. "The nation has to come forward for 'One Nation, One Election'," Modi had said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. In September last year, the Modi government constituted a high-level committee to examine the idea of 'One Nation, One Election' and make recommendations for holding simultaneous polls. The committee is chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind. (With inputs from agencies)

NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report

The legislative assembly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday (Feb 14) passed two resolutions, one against the proposed delimitation exercise, the other against the proposed 'One Nation&nbsp;One Election' system. The resolutions found overwhelming support with even Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) having to voice support.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin termed the delimitation exercise a 'punishment' for states with smaller population

"The delimitation exercise is a 'punishment' for states that have a smaller population. The number of constituencies in both the houses of Parliament and in the Assemblies are cut down for such states that reduce population," he said.

"We can't accept delimitation based on the census...Due to unavoidable reasons, if the number of seats based on population were to increase, it would be maintained at the present ratio of the constituencies between the states in the state assemblies and both houses of parliament fixed based on the population of 1971," he said.

BJP supported the sentiment.

"Fear is understandable and reasonable in future if our voice and rights become less if the number of seats are reduced. Tamil Nadu BJP understands the concern of that Resolution," said BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasa.

<h2>What is the proposed delimitation exercise: Key points</h2>

Delimitation refers to rearranging number of seats and boundaries of constituencies in the state for parliament and state assemblies.

The delimitation was expected to be carried out after each census but the process was frozen in 1971 in order to encourage states to implement population control measures.

It has been seen in last few decades that population growth rate in north Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar etc. has been more compared to that in southern Indian states.

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There is a fear in southern Indian states that delimitation based on population would take away political power from them.

<h2>What did Tamil Nadu assembly say about 'One Nation&nbsp;One Election'?</h2>

The assembly also passed a resolution against the proposed 'One Nation&nbsp;One Election' exercise favoured by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The one nation one election is out-and-out impractical, and it is against the basic feature of the Constitution. It is fully opposed to the Constitutional guarantee of independent, free and fair polls," said CM Stalin in assembly.

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He deemed the proposed exercise to be 'autocratic' and a 'conspiracy'.

The proposal is currently being considered by a committee headed by former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind. The proposal suggests that one election be carried out for seats in Indian parliament and state assemblies. Critics of the proposal argue that the concept goes against the federal structure of Indian polity.

(With inputs from agencies)

The legislative assembly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday (Feb 14) passed two resolutions, one against the proposed delimitation exercise, the other against the proposed 'One Nation One Election' system.

The legislative assembly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday (Feb 14) passed two resolutions, one against the proposed delimitation exercise, the other against the proposed 'One Nation One Election' system. The resolutions found overwhelming support with even Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) having to voice support. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin termed the delimitation exercise a 'punishment' for states with smaller population "The delimitation exercise is a 'punishment' for states that have a smaller population. The number of constituencies in both the houses of Parliament and in the Assemblies are cut down for such states that reduce population," he said. "We can't accept delimitation based on the census...Due to unavoidable reasons, if the number of seats based on population were to increase, it would be maintained at the present ratio of the constituencies between the states in the state assemblies and both houses of parliament fixed based on the population of 1971," he said. BJP supported the sentiment. "Fear is understandable and reasonable in future if our voice and rights become less if the number of seats are reduced. Tamil Nadu BJP understands the concern of that Resolution," said BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasa. What is the proposed delimitation exercise: Key points Delimitation refers to rearranging number of seats and boundaries of constituencies in the state for parliament and state assemblies. The delimitation was expected to be carried out after each census but the process was frozen in 1971 in order to encourage states to implement population control measures. It has been seen in last few decades that population growth rate in north Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar etc. has been more compared to that in southern Indian states. Watch | India alliance's election dream over? BJP woos South India for 2024 × There is a fear in southern Indian states that delimitation based on population would take away political power from them. What did Tamil Nadu assembly say about 'One Nation One Election'? The assembly also passed a resolution against the proposed 'One Nation One Election' exercise favoured by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The one nation one election is out-and-out impractical, and it is against the basic feature of the Constitution. It is fully opposed to the Constitutional guarantee of independent, free and fair polls," said CM Stalin in assembly. Also Read | ‘Golden chapter’ for UAE: PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi He deemed the proposed exercise to be 'autocratic' and a 'conspiracy'. The proposal is currently being considered by a committee headed by former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind. The proposal suggests that one election be carried out for seats in Indian parliament and state assemblies. Critics of the proposal argue that the concept goes against the federal structure of Indian polity. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolutions against delimitation, ‘One Nation One Election’

A high-level committee on "One Nation, One Election" under the former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, as per reports, is slated to meet on Monday (Dec 18).&nbsp;

The committee, as per reports, will review the progress made so far. This includes an appraisal of the responses by political parties on the idea of holding simultaneous polls in India.

<h2>The agenda</h2>

As per news agency PTI, the high-level committee will review progress made till now. Quoting unnamed sources, the report states while no written agenda has been circulated for the "informal" meeting, political parties' responses could be discussed.

It held its inaugural meeting back in September, and a second meeting was held in October.&nbsp;

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At the October meeting, members of the committee were informed that letters inviting suggestions on One Nation One Election had been sent to six national, 33 states and seven registered unrecognised parties.

The panel later sent a reminder to the parties asking for their response.

Previously, the committee has also heard the views of the Law Commission of India on simultaneous polls in the country. The presentation was made by the law commission's Chairperson Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Professor&nbsp;(Dr) Anand Paliwal Member and Member Secretary Khetrabasi Biswal.

The law panel could be called again on the issue.

<h2>What is One Nation, One Election?</h2>

One Nation, One Election pertains to the idea that in India, elections to the lower house of Parliament - Lok Sabha - and state Assembly polls could be held simultaneously across the nation. This includes the possibility that voting could be held around the same time.

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In India, until 1967, this was the norm. However, when several state assemblies were dissolved prematurely in 1968-69, it led to different polling cycles in those states.

Subsequently, in 1970, the then Lok Sabha was dissolved a year ahead of schedule, and mid-elections were held in 1971.

In 1983, the Election Commission (EC) recommended going back to the exercise of simultaneous elections. However, to date, only polls in four states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, are held alongside the Lok Sabha elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

A high-level committee on "One Nation, One Election" under the former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, as per reports, is slated to meet on Monday (Dec 18). The committee, as per reports, will review the progress made so far.

A high-level committee on "One Nation, One Election" under the former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, as per reports, is slated to meet on Monday (Dec 18). The committee, as per reports, will review the progress made so far. This includes an appraisal of the responses by political parties on the idea of holding simultaneous polls in India. The agenda As per news agency PTI, the high-level committee will review progress made till now. Quoting unnamed sources, the report states while no written agenda has been circulated for the "informal" meeting, political parties' responses could be discussed. It held its inaugural meeting back in September, and a second meeting was held in October. Also read | India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia later this week At the October meeting, members of the committee were informed that letters inviting suggestions on One Nation One Election had been sent to six national, 33 states and seven registered unrecognised parties. The panel later sent a reminder to the parties asking for their response. Previously, the committee has also heard the views of the Law Commission of India on simultaneous polls in the country. The presentation was made by the law commission's Chairperson Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Professor (Dr) Anand Paliwal Member and Member Secretary Khetrabasi Biswal. The law panel could be called again on the issue. What is One Nation, One Election? One Nation, One Election pertains to the idea that in India, elections to the lower house of Parliament - Lok Sabha - and state Assembly polls could be held simultaneously across the nation. This includes the possibility that voting could be held around the same time. Also read | ‘Jinping will not forget,’ former Indian Army chief recounts 2020 Galwan clash in his memoir In India, until 1967, this was the norm. However, when several state assemblies were dissolved prematurely in 1968-69, it led to different polling cycles in those states. Subsequently, in 1970, the then Lok Sabha was dissolved a year ahead of schedule, and mid-elections were held in 1971. In 1983, the Election Commission (EC) recommended going back to the exercise of simultaneous elections. However, to date, only polls in four states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, are held alongside the Lok Sabha elections. (With inputs from agencies)

India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress

The High-level committee, which was recently constituted to examine the practicability of holding simultaneous elections, chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, held its very first meeting on Saturday (September 23).

As per a statement, the panel came to a conclusion to invite political parties and the Law Commission, to seek their views on holding synchronised polls in the country.

Earlier this month, the government had instructed the eight-member "high-level" panel to examine and make recommendations at the earliest on the issue of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities and panchayats.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, Minister of State (Independent Charge) from the Ministry of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, former Rajya Sabha leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission NK Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash Kashyap, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari attended the meeting. Senior Advocate Harish Salve joined the meeting virtually.

Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was not present in the meeting, the statement noted.

After being named as a member of the panel, Chowdhury had written to Shah, "declining to serve on the committee".

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"I have no hesitation whatsoever in declining to serve on the committee whose terms of reference have been prepared in a manner to guarantee its conclusions. It is, I am afraid, a total eyewash," Chowdhury had said in the letter.

In the meeting, the panel decided to invite recognised national parties, parties having governments in states, those having their representatives in Parliament and other recognised state parties "for seeking suggestions or viewpoints on the issue of simultaneous elections in the country".

In addition to this, the committee will also invite the Law Commission for its suggestions and standpoints on the issue of simultaneous elections, according to a statement issued by the law ministry.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating for "One Nation, One Election", stating that this would save a lot of money and resources.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The High-level committee, which was recently constituted to examine the practicability of holding simultaneous elections, chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, held its very first meeting on Saturday (September 23).

The High-level committee, which was recently constituted to examine the practicability of holding simultaneous elections, chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, held its very first meeting on Saturday (September 23). As per a statement, the panel came to a conclusion to invite political parties and the Law Commission, to seek their views on holding synchronised polls in the country. Earlier this month, the government had instructed the eight-member "high-level" panel to examine and make recommendations at the earliest on the issue of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities and panchayats. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, Minister of State (Independent Charge) from the Ministry of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, former Rajya Sabha leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission NK Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash Kashyap, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari attended the meeting. Senior Advocate Harish Salve joined the meeting virtually. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was not present in the meeting, the statement noted. After being named as a member of the panel, Chowdhury had written to Shah, "declining to serve on the committee". Also read: ‘Trudeau made a huge mistake’: Ex-Pentagon official slams Canada’s accusations "I have no hesitation whatsoever in declining to serve on the committee whose terms of reference have been prepared in a manner to guarantee its conclusions. It is, I am afraid, a total eyewash," Chowdhury had said in the letter. In the meeting, the panel decided to invite recognised national parties, parties having governments in states, those having their representatives in Parliament and other recognised state parties "for seeking suggestions or viewpoints on the issue of simultaneous elections in the country". In addition to this, the committee will also invite the Law Commission for its suggestions and standpoints on the issue of simultaneous elections, according to a statement issued by the law ministry. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating for "One Nation, One Election", stating that this would save a lot of money and resources. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' holds first meeting, to invite political parties for views

India's former president Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday confirmed that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ committee will be holding its first meeting on September 23. 
 
In the meeting, the committee will examine and make recommendations for conducting simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, state assemblies,&nbsp;municipalities, and panchayats. 
 
The decision was made after the eight-member committee, headed by the former president, was notified on September 2 by the Centre to make recommendations considering the Constitution of India's existing framework and other statutory provisions. 
 
“The first meeting will take place on September 23,” said Kovind, while addressing the media when he was in Bhubaneswar to attend the convocation of a private university.

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The committee has been given the task of analysing and recommending ways for holding simultaneous elections in scenarios like the adoption of a no-confidence motion or hung assembly. A framework and a time frame during which the elections can be conducted will be suggested by the committee. 
 
The members present in the committee are Union Home Minister Amit Shah,&nbsp;former leader of the opposition Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chairman of 15th Finance Commission NK Singh, former Lok Sabha general secretary Subash Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, former chief vigilance commissioner Sanjay Kothari, and Minister of state (law) Arjun Ram Meghwal.&nbsp;Congress Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was also named as member but he has refused the membership.&nbsp; 
 
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<h2>What is ‘One Nation, One Election’?</h2>

The discussion over the idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ started after a special session of Parliament was called by the government from September 18 to 22 without giving any reason. 
 
Simultaneous elections have been held in the country till 1967 for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha. However, in 1969 and 1968, few legislative assemblies were dissolved, and the Lok Sabha was dissolved in 1970, which led to a change in the electoral schedules. 
 
After Narendra Modi became the country's prime minister, he pushed for the idea of conducting simultaneous state assembly and Lok Sabha elections. His idea was supported by the then-president Kovind in 2017. 
 
While addressing the Parliament in 2018, Kovind stated, “Frequent elections not only impose a huge burden on human resources but also impede the development process due to the promulgation of the model code of conduct.”

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India's former president Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday confirmed that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ committee will be holding its first meeting on September 23. In the meeting, the committee will examine and make recommendations for conducting simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats.

India's former president Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday confirmed that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ committee will be holding its first meeting on September 23. In the meeting, the committee will examine and make recommendations for conducting simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. The decision was made after the eight-member committee, headed by the former president, was notified on September 2 by the Centre to make recommendations considering the Constitution of India's existing framework and other statutory provisions. “The first meeting will take place on September 23,” said Kovind, while addressing the media when he was in Bhubaneswar to attend the convocation of a private university. ALSO READ | India-China hotel standoff: When Chinese G20 delegation refused to get their big bags scanned by security The committee has been given the task of analysing and recommending ways for holding simultaneous elections in scenarios like the adoption of a no-confidence motion or hung assembly. A framework and a time frame during which the elections can be conducted will be suggested by the committee. The members present in the committee are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former leader of the opposition Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chairman of 15th Finance Commission NK Singh, former Lok Sabha general secretary Subash Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, former chief vigilance commissioner Sanjay Kothari, and Minister of state (law) Arjun Ram Meghwal. Congress Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was also named as member but he has refused the membership. WATCH | INDIA Alliance Meeting: INDIA to come up with list of anchors whose debates to boycott What is ‘One Nation, One Election’? The discussion over the idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ started after a special session of Parliament was called by the government from September 18 to 22 without giving any reason. Simultaneous elections have been held in the country till 1967 for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha. However, in 1969 and 1968, few legislative assemblies were dissolved, and the Lok Sabha was dissolved in 1970, which led to a change in the electoral schedules. After Narendra Modi became the country's prime minister, he pushed for the idea of conducting simultaneous state assembly and Lok Sabha elections. His idea was supported by the then-president Kovind in 2017. While addressing the Parliament in 2018, Kovind stated, “Frequent elections not only impose a huge burden on human resources but also impede the development process due to the promulgation of the model code of conduct.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: ‘One Nation, One Election’ committee's first meeting on Sept 23, confirms President Kovind

The Centre formed an eight-member High-Level Committee on Saturday (September 2), in order to analyse the issue of ‘one nation, one election’ and make recommendations for carrying concurrent elections in the country.&nbsp;

The committee comprises former President Ram Nath Kovind, who is also the Chairman, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission Chairman NK Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash C Kashyap, Senior Advocate Harish Salve and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.

As per a statement by the government, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will attend the meetings of the High-Level Committee as a special invitee.

The committee has been set up months before assembly polls in five states and ahead of Lok Sabha polls next year.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had informed about the constitution of the committee on Friday.

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"Right now, a committee has been constituted. A report from the committee will come out which will be discussed. The Parliament is mature, and discussions will take place, there is no need to get nervous. India is called the mother of democracy, there is always an evolution. I will discuss the agenda of the Special session of Parliament," he said.

<h2>Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declines invitation to be member of panel</h2>

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was named a member of the High-Level Committee (HLC), on Saturday, declined to serve as a member on the panel saying that its “terms of reference have been prepared in a manner to guarantee its conclusions”

In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also a member of HLC, Chowdury, who is Congress leader in Lok Sabha, questioned the Centre’s motives in forming the committee.

“I have just got to know through the media and a Gazette notification has appeared that I have been appointed as a Member of the High-Level Committee on simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas. I have no hesitation whatsoever in declining to serve on the Committee whose terms of reference have been prepared in a manner to guarantee its conclusions. It is, I am afraid, a total eyewash,” Chowdhury said.

He called the move by the Centre as “constitutionally suspect, pragmatically non-feasible”.

“The sudden attempt to thrust a constitutionally suspect, pragmatically non-feasible and logistically unimplementable idea on the nation, months before the general elections, raises serious concerns about ulterior motives of the government,” he said.

He also raised objections to the exclusion of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge from HLC.

“I find that the current LOP in the Rajya Sabha has been excluded. This is a deliberate insult to the system of Parliamentary democracy. In these circumstances, I have no option but to decline your invitation,” he said.

<h2>Opposition slams ‘One Nation, One Election’</h2>

The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government announced on Friday (September 1) that it had set up a committee to study the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal which refers to holding the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls simultaneously across the country.&nbsp;

Reacting to the proposal at a press conference in Mumbai, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge, said that the plan was proposed because the strength of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance is making the ruling government “nervous”.&nbsp;

He added, “We should be prepared for more attacks in the coming months, more raids and arrests due to this government’s vendetta politics.”&nbsp;

He also spoke about the opposition alliance’s roadmap for the upcoming elections and said, “The first meeting in Patna was about setting the agenda. Then the second meeting happened in Bangalore. We all are again meeting in Mumbai. Our aim is to fight against inflation, price rise, and unemployment.”

“We will be working based on the resolutions that were decided today…(Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi announced a special session without asking anyone. No committee was called. No discussion was held,” said Kharge.&nbsp;

He added, “We are inching towards dictatorship. Institutional corruption is a sign of the Modi government. The next meeting will be fixed soon.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Centre formed an eight-member High-Level Committee on Saturday (September 2), in order to analyse the issue of ‘one nation, one election’ and make recommendations for carrying concurrent elections in the country.

The Centre formed an eight-member High-Level Committee on Saturday (September 2), in order to analyse the issue of ‘one nation, one election’ and make recommendations for carrying concurrent elections in the country. The committee comprises former President Ram Nath Kovind, who is also the Chairman, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission Chairman NK Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash C Kashyap, Senior Advocate Harish Salve and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari. As per a statement by the government, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will attend the meetings of the High-Level Committee as a special invitee. The committee has been set up months before assembly polls in five states and ahead of Lok Sabha polls next year. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had informed about the constitution of the committee on Friday. Also read: Project director of Aditya-L1 calls successful launch of India's maiden solar mission 'a dream come true' "Right now, a committee has been constituted. A report from the committee will come out which will be discussed. The Parliament is mature, and discussions will take place, there is no need to get nervous. India is called the mother of democracy, there is always an evolution. I will discuss the agenda of the Special session of Parliament," he said. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declines invitation to be member of panel Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was named a member of the High-Level Committee (HLC), on Saturday, declined to serve as a member on the panel saying that its “terms of reference have been prepared in a manner to guarantee its conclusions” In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also a member of HLC, Chowdury, who is Congress leader in Lok Sabha, questioned the Centre’s motives in forming the committee. “I have just got to know through the media and a Gazette notification has appeared that I have been appointed as a Member of the High-Level Committee on simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas. I have no hesitation whatsoever in declining to serve on the Committee whose terms of reference have been prepared in a manner to guarantee its conclusions. It is, I am afraid, a total eyewash,” Chowdhury said. He called the move by the Centre as “constitutionally suspect, pragmatically non-feasible”. “The sudden attempt to thrust a constitutionally suspect, pragmatically non-feasible and logistically unimplementable idea on the nation, months before the general elections, raises serious concerns about ulterior motives of the government,” he said. He also raised objections to the exclusion of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge from HLC. “I find that the current LOP in the Rajya Sabha has been excluded. This is a deliberate insult to the system of Parliamentary democracy. In these circumstances, I have no option but to decline your invitation,” he said. Opposition slams ‘One Nation, One Election’ The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government announced on Friday (September 1) that it had set up a committee to study the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal which refers to holding the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls simultaneously across the country. Reacting to the proposal at a press conference in Mumbai, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge, said that the plan was proposed because the strength of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance is making the ruling government “nervous”. He added, “We should be prepared for more attacks in the coming months, more raids and arrests due to this government’s vendetta politics.” He also spoke about the opposition alliance’s roadmap for the upcoming elections and said, “The first meeting in Patna was about setting the agenda. Then the second meeting happened in Bangalore. We all are again meeting in Mumbai. Our aim is to fight against inflation, price rise, and unemployment.” “We will be working based on the resolutions that were decided today…(Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi announced a special session without asking anyone. No committee was called. No discussion was held,” said Kharge. He added, “We are inching towards dictatorship. Institutional corruption is a sign of the Modi government. The next meeting will be fixed soon.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Centre sets up committee to examine ‘one nation, one election' proposal, Chowdhury declines invite

Have you been hearing the words ‘simultaneous elections’ often these days? That’s because there is a proposal to conduct the elections to the Lok Sabha and a State assemblies at the same time.

India Watch: Will simultaneous polls reduce cost?

The government will form a committee to study the feasibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "One Nation, One Election", Union Minister Rajnath Singh said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's all-party meeting today. Most parties, he said, had supported the idea.

India Watch: The case for 'One Nation One Election'

India Watch: PM Modi makes 'One Nation One Election' push

Watch India Watch, 19th June 2019. To know more watch the video

Watch India Watch, 19th June 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-chaired-all-party-meeting-over-one-nation-one-election-underway-at-parliament-228677">One nation, One election</a>' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said&nbsp;while speaking to the media after the meeting.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi.

"Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said.

"CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added.

Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress.

The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media after the meeting. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi. "Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said. "CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added. Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress. The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.

PM Modi to form committee for 'one nation, one election'