There is buzz in the country about ‘one nation, one poll.’ The media is whipping up this topic and creating buzz. The BJP and its allies in the media are trying to ignite discussion on this issue with the hope that everyone will have positive views about it. On the face of it, the idea of ‘one nation, one poll’ sounds appealing in a country where frequent elections mean a heavy burden on the exchequer and disruption of governance and development activities. However, the implementation of this idea is beset with many constitutional and political challenges.
First, it would require several constitutional amendments with endorsement by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the states. This appears a tall order in the present divisive political atmosphere. The first challenge in altering the tenure of the Lok Sabha or state assembly to allow simultaneous polls is the constitutionally fixed limit of a five-year term.
The amendments would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. All this would call for a prolonged consultation exercise and the building of consensus. Besides, Article 356, which prescribes the imposition of the President’s rule in a state when there is a breakdown of constitutional machinery, may also need an amendment.