Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 1 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Desai on Friday said that the Central government needs to put forward the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ to the political parties across the spectrum before implementing it.

Talking to the reporters here, Desai further said that in order to make a decision on the matter, thoughts, contributions and deliberation have to take place to reach a conclusion.

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“One nation, one election, whatever the concept is that needs to be put forward to the political parties across the spectrum and then the thoughts, contribution, deliberation, and discussion would take place and then the decision would come,” Anil Desai said. 

The Union government has constituted a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the possibility of 'One Nation, One Election' which envisages the holding of general election and state Assembly elections simultaneously.

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Sources said that the committee will explore the possibility of bringing legislation regarding it. A parliamentary standing committee, the Law Commission and Niti Ayog had earlier examined the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal and submitted reports on the subject.

The government has decided to call a Special Session of Parliament from September 18-22 where it is speculated that the government could bring a bill for this proposal to take effect.

With five states going to the polls later this year and a few more to go to polls with the General Elections due in 2024 there is speculation that One Nation, One Election could become a reality very soon.

If 'One Nation, One Election' does come into effect it could mean that elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across India will be held simultaneously, with voting taking place at the same time.

The practice stopped after some state assemblies were dissolved prematurely in 1968-69. The Lok Sabha was also, for the first time, dissolved a year ahead of schedule in 1970 and mid-term elections had been held in 1971.

In its 2014 Lok Sabha Election Manifesto, the BJP had promised to evolve a method for holding the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on multiple occasions, pitched for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ including in his sixth address to the nation on August 15, 2019 from the ramparts of Red Fort.

Many key BJP leaders have hailed the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ saying that the idea behind simultaneous elections is to save the country's resources, time and expenditure.

"It is the right proposal. When elections keep happening in the country, due to the model code of conduct imposed in different parts many works get derailed and resources are used for it. With 'one nation, one election', there will be no waste of money and the process of reforms will continue well,” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

While Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde welcomed the decision saying that it will save the money spent on elections and that money can be used for welfare schemes.

"I welcome 'One Nation, One Election'. It will save the money spent on elections and that money can be used for welfare schemes,” Shinde said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while calling it a ‘praiseworthy’ effort, said that the issue is the necessity of the day.

"It is a praiseworthy effort. On behalf of the people of UP, I express gratitude towards the PM for this. 'One nation, one election' is the necessity of the day. During the process of elections, development works or new policies get hindered. It is required that we conduct Lok Sabha, Assembly and all other elections together. I welcome this step...," Yogi said. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)