Simultaneous Elections Can Give Booster Shot To Indian Economy

As things stand, the process for simultaneous elections is most likely to begin in 2029 when the next General Elections are scheduled. The process may be advanced only if the current dispensation at the Centre led by Modi falls as it depends on its allies for its survival. But that is unlikely to happen. So, a four-year wait for implementing the process for simultaneous elections looks like a certainty. Therefore, the first simultaneous polls are likely to take place only in 2034 if everything goes as planned

Politics is an intriguing phenomenon. I used the word ‘intriguing’ because the majority of people show utter disdain towards politics. This is more so in India as the quality of people who dominate the country’s political landscape, is poor. But strangely, politics and politicians dominate our everyday discourse across the spectrum. There is a valid reason for it.

India is a democratic country. And politics and politicians play key roles in every democracy. Further, politics influences the way we live, do business and carry out day to day activities. There is no way one can escape from the influence of politicians directly or indirectly, as they remain in power and hold significant hold over governance, irrespective of the political party that is in power.

If someone thinks that he or she is least bothered about politics, such an attitude does enormous damage to a country’s social fabric because in such an eventuality, anti-social elements take control of the political landscape. Giving ruling power to the inefficient and greedy is detrimental in more ways than one.

Therefore, India needs politically mature citizens so that they can elect responsible and clean individuals for the overall growth and betterment of the country. That’s their fundamental responsibility if one were to protect their fundamental rights and secure the future of India. Frankly speaking, Viksit Bharat (developed India) can be achieved only if the country increases the count of its politically-active and vigilant people.

Anyway, with the Narendra Modi government keen on simultaneous polls, India is likely to witness some key changes to its political landscape in the coming years. Prime Minister Modi has been talking about the concept of ‘one nation one poll’ for quite some time. But the idea gained traction after his government appointed a high-level committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind in September 2023.

In March this year, the committee submitted its 18,626-page report to President Droupadi Murmu, recommending ‘one nation one election’. Subsequently, the Modi government accepted the report in September this year. The central government is now gearing up to enact legislative norms for the successful implementation of simultaneous polls. But getting approvals for these proposals is a time consuming process as they require multiple constitutional amendments.

As things stand, the process for simultaneous elections is most likely to begin in 2029 when the next General Elections are scheduled. The process may be advanced only if the current dispensation at the Centre led by Modi falls as it depends on its allies for survival. But that is unlikely to happen.

Further, the country’s administrative and political ecosystem needs ample time for the transition. So, a four-year wait for implementing the process for simultaneous elections looks a certainty. The committee also batted for a five-year smooth transition period to the new election mode without disturbing existing tenures of State assemblies. So, the first simultaneous polls are likely to take place only in 2034 if everything goes as planned.

But are simultaneously polls good for the country? The answer to this question is an emphatic yes. And the benefits are multifold – both economic and political.

On the economic front, the expenditure that the government spends on elections comes down drastically. According to official statistics, the Election Commission of India spends a whopping Rs. 4,500 crore on Lok Sabha and assembly polls. This will be a lot lower if all polls are held in one go. The funds thus saved can be utilised for nation-building initiatives.

Besides, political parties also spend heavily for each election. This will also come down, leading to less corruption. The Kovind committee itself estimated that there would be a 1.5 per cent incremental addition to the gross domestic product (GDP) if polls are held simultaneously. That’s almost Rs. 4.5 lakh crore at current levels!

Besides, frequent elections are resulting in policy paralysis as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into play. This impact can be gauged from the pact that India witnesses five State elections on an average every year. Further, frequent elections are also resulting in a spike in inflationary pressures. Hence, inflation can come down when there are one-time elections.

The committee report revealed that inflation was nearly one percentage point less during simultaneous polls when compared to the period of frequent polls. India witnessed simultaneous polls between 1951 and 1967. Further, it is said frequent elections are also causing disruption to private investment flows. That means simultaneous polls may lead to increased private investments. Overall, they are expected to give a booster shot to the country’s economic growth.

On the political front, there are some chances of higher concentration of power with the central government. But our Constitution has enough checks and balances to protect federalism even if all the polls are brought together. This may not be a big issue.

However, the current Opposition fears that the dominance of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will go up if the country opts for ‘One Nation One Election’. Its fears are not unfounded as BJP is the only political party that has an effective pan-India presence in the true sense of the term these days. The India National Congress (INC) enjoyed such a coveted status till the time of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The saffron party is enjoying that position now.

However, a weak Opposition should not come in the way of the country in its march towards the win-win simultaneous elections. Instead, the saffron party’s rivals should pull up their socks.

For the country, holding simultaneous elections is a very good option as it aims for a developed nation status in the next two decades.