The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, recommending simultaneous voting for state and union governments, as well as local bodies. A panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind reported widespread support for this idea.

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• Cabinet accepted panel’s report on simultaneous elections.
• ‘One Nation, One Election’ aims to hold Lok Sabha, Assembly, and local polls together.
• Previously practiced until 1967; disrupted by early dissolutions in the late 1960s.
• Only seven states currently hold simultaneous elections with Lok Sabha polls.
• Over 80% of 21,000 public suggestions favor the proposal.
• Parliament to review the proposal in the Winter Session.
• Amendments needed for Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, 356 in the Constitution.
• BJP needs a two-thirds majority in both houses to pass the bills.
• Opposition, led by Congress, criticizes the move as impractical and diversionary.
• Proponents argue it will save resources, boost voter turnout, and focus governance.