Debate Intensifies: 'One Nation One Election' Under Scrutiny

Former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit and other experts presented views on implementing 'One Nation One Election' to a parliamentary committee. While Lalit endorsed the idea in theory, opposition figures, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticized it, raising concerns over democratic integrity.

In a crucial meeting on Tuesday, Former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit provided key recommendations to a Joint Parliamentary Committee deliberating on the 'One Nation One Election' initiative. Lalit suggested phased implementation of simultaneous polls, acknowledging the theoretical appeal but underscoring several practical challenges.

Additional insights were given by former Law Commission chairperson Ritu Raj Awasthi, as the panel began consulting a range of experts. Meanwhile, opposition criticism was led by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who argued that the proposal could undermine democracy by affecting legislative tenures and citizen rights.

The Modi government's endorsement of this initiative, with corroborating bills introduced in Lok Sabha, has sparked vigorous debate, as stakeholders continue their discussions under the leadership of the high-level committee. Former president Ram Nath Kovind's chaired committee had previously advocated for the policy, emphasizing electoral efficiencies and developmental gains.

(With inputs from agencies.)