The
much debated issue why India should not have simultaneously elections to the
Central Parliament & State Assemblies has been in focus in India in recent
times. On one hand the general population appears to be greatly in favor of the
proposal which was also mooted by the election Commission of India. However, except
the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) other parties are showing their greater reluctance
to the proposal. Their reluctance appears to be drawn by the fact that the
popularity of the BJP lead National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fails to wane
even after more than three years of their governance and the fragmented opposition
parties are not able to offer a cohesive and viable alternative. Moreover, none
of the leaders in opposition are able to demonstrate the vision and charisma as
that of the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Consequently, the opposition feels
that they will be placed at a disadvantageous position if the simultaneous
elections are held for the Central Parliament & State Assemblies. Their
fear is generated out of their own inadequacies which is proving to be counterproductive
for a developing nation like India.
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| PIC: http://lighthouseinsights.in/ |
India
had simultaneous elections for the Central Parliament & State Assemblies
for few years during the initial era after India’s independence. Those days when
paper ballot papers were used and India lacked sound infrastructure, then even the
simultaneous elections to the Central Parliament & State Assemblies did not
pose any problem. Today when electronic voting is in place, infra structure
well developed and the election machinery being in sound health, there seems to
be no issue in holding the simultaneous elections. Technically and logistically, India is at an
absolutely sound position today in holding the simultaneous elections for the Central
Parliament & State Assemblies and therefore the BJP government should lead all
the political parties to arrive on a consensus to hold the simultaneous
elections to Central Parliament & State Assemblies at the earliest possible
date, can be with even 2019 General elections.
The
Central Government lead by Prime Minister has embarked upon major reforms for
inclusive growth of the nation by launching schemes like Swachchhata Abhiyan- a
drive for cleanliness, Jan Dhan Yojna which made it possible for ordinary
citizen to have bank accounts, demonetization to curtail black money economy, introducing
Benami Property Bill to catch corrupt people, introducing General Goods and
Service Tax (GST), a uniform indirect tax system across India, linking Aadhar to
bank accounts and Income Tax returns etc. etc. All these measures couple with
growing transparency in the governance, cutting red-tapes in governance , increasing
operational efficiency of the governance, massive drives in expanding highways
and rail links, promoting digital economy, enhancing remarkably India’s
position in ease of doing business and many more measures are going to yield richer
and richer dividends to India’s growth in the years to come. Therefore, this appears
to be the most appropriate time to go for the simultaneous elections to Central
Parliament & State Assemblies. This
unique measure is due from many years and nobody has ever made any attempt to
even talk about this. Prime Minister, Modi has wisely highlighted the need at
this juncture for the simultaneous elections for Central Parliament & State
Assemblies. The round the clock elections in one state or other puts breaks on
many governance measures and development agenda. It is acting as a deterrent and
holding back India from its journey in top gear to achieve greater growth and
development of the nation.
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| PIC: abhistory.com |
The
simultaneous elections for the Central Parliament & State Assemblies if implemented
could be the biggest election reform in India. Election Commissioner has
already indicated it's readiness to conduct the Simultaneous elections for
parliament & state Assemblies. Why a democracy like India should not hold
Simultaneous elections? Why the country should be constantly burdened with elections
of one state or other all the time? It is a sheer waste of time, money and huge
government machinery putting the governance altogether on hold often.
The opposition parties appear to act against the national interest as they appear
to view their own party interest above the national interests. This is the new India
where Indian youth are all in favor of the fastest growth of the country and
are driven by the efforts to eliminate poverty and provide ample jobs to them. Therefore,
The NDA government should start in its earnest a massive drive in favor of the Central
Parliament & State Assemblies and hold discussions with all stake holders
to achieve the goal of holding simultaneous elections for Central Parliament
& State Assemblies. Necessary reforms can also be thought and introduced if
a state or central government falls during its currency and can suggest a suitable
remedial measure to take care of such eventualities.
And if
political parities do not come together on this important election reform, why
not hold a referendum in India for the simultaneous elections for Central Parliament
& State Assemblies all across India? Let the people of India decide and let
the political parties cry for their selfish interest.
Interested
readers may also read my other blog “Path to Spiritual Wellness” at URL:
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