Modi pushes for synchronized elections across India every five years

The ruling BJP in India is advocating for a significant change in the electoral process, proposing that all elections, both national and state, occur simultaneously every five years. This initiative, which has been part of Prime Minister Modi's agenda, aims to reduce the frequency of elections and streamline the electoral process. Modi argues that continuous elections hinder economic progress, and he has reiterated this stance during his Independence Day speech on August 15. However, the proposal has faced considerable opposition from various political factions, including the Congress party and regional leaders like Mamata Banerjee. Critics argue that this move centralizes power in the federal government, undermining the federal structure of India and potentially promoting autocratic governance. They express concerns that local issues may be overshadowed by national political dynamics, diminishing the accountability of local governments. Historically, India has experienced synchronized elections from 1951 to 1967, with the peak occurring in 1967 when elections in 20 states coincided with national elections. The current proposal seeks to revive this concept, with proponents suggesting it could lead to a more efficient electoral process. The timing of this proposal during Modi's third term is seen as strategic, as it may capitalize on the current political climate where economic activities remain uninterrupted by election cycles. The BJP will need to garner support from coalition partners and opposition parties to pass the bill, which is expected to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of parliament.