‘One Nation-One Election’ Kovind panel may submit report to the President Today

A high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind is likely to submit its report on ‘One Nation, One Election’ on simultaneous elections to various bodies including Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

However, no official statement has come yet but sources said that the report can be submitted to President Draupadi Murmu today.

The committee can recommend amendments in the last five articles of the Constitution to hold simultaneous elections in the country.

Sources say the proposed report also focuses on a single voter list for conducting Lok Sabha, state assembly and local body elections.

The committee formed last September was tasked with exploring possibilities and making recommendations for holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities and panchayats, keeping in mind the existing constitutional framework.

This panel headed by Kovind includes Home Minister Amit Shah, former leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission Chairman N.K. Singh, former Lok Sabha General Secretary Subhash Kashyap and senior advocate Harish Salve are also included.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Choudhary was also made a member of the committee but he refused, terming the committee as a complete sham. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is a special invitee member of the committee.