Since 2014, India has witnessed a dramatic transformation in its institutional framework.
The ruling BJP has extended its influence across various areas of governance, advancing its vision of “oneness”- a unified approach encompassing one election, one faith, one culture, one language, one law, and even a singular media narrative.
While this vision of unity has its advocates, it has also sparked intense debate about its implications for India’s pluralistic democracy. A key element of this vision is the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, recently approved by the Union Cabinet for introduction during the Winter Session of Parliament.
The proposal aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. Two major bills have been tabled: a constitutional amendment enabling simultaneous elections and another to align assembly polls in Union Territories like Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. These bills are expected to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny.
Proponents argue that simultaneous elections could reduce electoral costs, enhance governance efficiency, and minimize disruptions caused by frequent polls. However, achieving this goal would require amending at least 18 constitutional provisions and securing the approval of half of India’s states-a formidable political challenge. The Kovind Committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report in March 2024, recommending a single electoral roll for all elections and outlining the extensive changes needed.
The BJP’s ambitions, however, extend well beyond electoral reforms. The party’s achievements, such as the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu & Kashmir and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, highlight its determination and strategic execution. Yet, some of its unfinished objectives, including operationalizing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), remain contentious.
Supporters of the UCC argue it would simplify legal frameworks by unifying civil laws across communities, but critics warn that it could erode India’s cultural diversity and democratic foundations. Meanwhile, India’s media landscape has shifted, increasingly amplifying the BJP’s narrative while sidelining dissenting voices. What should be healthy debates on governance and economic progress often devolve into attacks on opposition figures. The diminishing independence and diversity of the media raise serious concerns about the health of Indian democracy.
The “One Nation, One Election” initiative represents the BJP’s strategy to centralize governance, streamline decision-making, and consolidate its hold on power. While the government aims for implementation by 2029, state-level resistance and legislative hurdles make this timeline uncertain.
With the BJP securing only 240 seats in the Lok Sabha in the last election-far short of the 400+ it had projected-the likelihood of achieving unified elections by 2029 appears slim. Also in the state assemblies, the NDA has 2170 MLAs while the opposition and other parties have 4036 MLAs.
India’s strength has always been its diversity and federal structure. While reforms to improve governance are essential, they must align with the nation’s pluralistic ethos. The push for uniformity might streamline processes but risks undermining the democratic principles that define India. The path forward demands caution, ensuring that unity does not come at the expense of diversity.