Chidambaram: ‘One Nation, One Election’ Unfeasible Under Current Constitution*

Chidambaram: ‘One Nation, One Election’ Unfeasible Under Current Constitution*

In a striking assertion, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram declared that the ambitious concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ cannot be implemented under the existing constitutional framework. Speaking at a press conference, Chidambaram emphasized that the proposal, which aims to synchronize all elections at the national and state levels into a single event, faces significant legal and procedural hurdles.

According to Chidambaram, the Indian Constitution does not currently support the consolidation of elections due to its structure and the diverse electoral processes followed by various states. He highlighted that such a sweeping change would require extensive amendments to the Constitution, a task that involves complex legislative procedures and political consensus.

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal has been a topic of debate among policymakers and political leaders, with proponents arguing that it could lead to cost savings and increased efficiency in governance. However, Chidambaram's comments underscore the challenges and potential constitutional conflicts associated with this reform.

Critics of the proposal have echoed similar concerns, suggesting that the practicalities of implementing a unified electoral system may disrupt established democratic practices. The debate continues as stakeholders assess the feasibility and implications of this ambitious idea.

As the discussion around electoral reforms evolves, Chidambaram's insights provide a critical perspective on the constitutional limitations and the necessary steps for any significant changes in India's electoral system.