INDIA's cabinet has agreed to a proposal to hold simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the national parliament, according to the information minister.
The move, backed by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, aims to improve governance.
A government-appointed panel had recommended in March that holding elections at the same time across the country would enhance transparency.
The proposal remains controversial and will require parliamentary approval before it can be implemented.
Simultaneous elections would strengthen democracy, said minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, noting that a large segment of India’s youth supports the initiative. He added that the government would seek consensus and consider all legal aspects before proceeding.
India once held simultaneous elections, but the system was disrupted decades ago. This led to the current staggered process, where, on average, five or six state elections are held either simultaneously or separately each year.
Modi and his government have argued that frequent election campaigns distract politicians from governance, increase election costs, and halt new policies due to the election code. They have been advocating for the "One Nation, One Election" plan to address these issues.
The nine-member panel, formed by Modi's government last year, reported that real GDP growth was higher during periods of simultaneous elections compared to when elections were held separately.
Opponents, including some major opposition parties, argue that the plan goes against India’s federal structure.
(With inputs from Reuters)
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)