Following the Union Cabinet’s approval of the One Nation One Election policy on September 18, 2024, the Rajasthan government has decided to put its July 2024 proposal for One State One Election on hold. This decision was taken by the State in the absence of any clarity yet regarding the directions and procedures for One Nation One Election.

On Wednesday, the Modi Cabinet accepted the One Nation One Election proposal tabled by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind. This report recommends holding simultaneous polls in both the Lok Sabha and Sate Assemblies followed by local body polls within 100 days. The proposal is expected to be tabled in the Winter Session of the Parliament.  

Readers may recall that the Bhajan Lal Sharma government had in its 2024-25 Budget in July announced that the State would initiate a One State One Election model with a view to cutting down on electoral expenses and other related issues owing to frequent polling in the State.  

An earlier statement by Jabbar Singh Kharra, UDH Minister, had said the government intends to call a special Assembly session later this year to discuss One State One Election and the necessary amendments to at least two Acts.  The state government, sources say, wanted to conduct local body elections mid next year over 3-4 phases with a view to completing it within 45 days.

Source: Media Reports