Unveiling India’s Subtle Power Grab: What It Means for Democracy and Future Leaders

February 17, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pushing a bold plan that could change the way elections happen in India. He has proposed a constitutional amendment to hold all elections—federal, state, and local—at the same time, every five years. This idea is called “One Nation, One Election.” If it gets approval from two-thirds of parliament, it will reshape Indian politics.

Last year, about 642 million people voted in India’s general elections, resulting in Modi’s reelection for a third term. These elections are held in phases, with one-seventh of the country voting at a time over a period of 44 days.

State elections are just as important. For example, in 2022, the elections for Uttar Pradesh saw 92 million voters participating. This is a significant number compared to many global elections. In India, every vote counts, and various regional parties contest the elections vigorously, making the political landscape vibrant and complex.

However, Modi’s single-election proposal has sparked heated debate. Many opposition members worry it will diminish the importance of state elections and threaten regional parties. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M. K. Stalin, voiced concerns, stating that local sentiments could be overlooked.

Opponents of the amendment argue it could violate the Basic Structure Doctrine, which protects fundamental elements of the Constitution from being changed. This principle is vital in maintaining India’s democratic framework, especially concerning federalism.

While Modi justifies the move by citing potential cost savings and reduced political disruption, his true motives may be more strategic. By synchronizing elections, he hopes to leverage his popularity to overshadow regional parties and promote national issues that benefit the BJP.

This approach resembles trends seen in the United States, where national narratives often dominate local elections. Modi appears to believe that by aligning national and state elections, he can strengthen his party’s influence across the board.

Historically, the Congress Party sought to centralize power, but today, it finds itself opposing Modi’s attempts to consolidate political power. The irony is that Modi’s push for centralization mirrors past leaders who favored a strong national government over regional autonomy.

As elections become more intertwined, the question of national identity resurfaces, a dilemma that has confronted India since its independence. While Nehru’s vision of a diverse, secular state differed from Modi’s narrower view of national identity rooted in Hinduism, both leaders are united in their pursuit of an answer to what binds the Indian republic.