As the 2024 US Presidential Election comes to a close, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris make their final pitches to voters in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state. With polls showing a tight race between the two candidates, both have urged supporters to show up and cast their ballots on Election Day. The intense campaigning and high stakes have made this election one of the most expensive in US history, with over $2.6 billion spent since March to sway voters. As the voting process begins, the nation braces for a potentially uncertain outcome, with the final results likely to be determined by a few key swing states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 149th birth anniversary. Along with participating in the Unity Parade Ground event, PM Modi also marked the day's significance as it coincides with Diwali, showing India's global connect. In line with Patel's vision, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to national unity and progress through initiatives like One Nation One Election and Uniform Civil Code.
In his first Independence Day speech of his third term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed both ideological and political issues, calling for a "secular civil code" and advocating for simultaneous elections at both the national and state levels. By framing the BJP's call for a common civil code as a push for a "secular civil code", Modi aimed to rebut opposition claims that the party's goal is to replace Muslim personal law. Despite falling short of a majority in the Lok Sabha, Modi emphasized the need for continuity and unity through simultaneous elections.
During his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Modi addressed the recent protests over violence against women and stressed the need for swift action and strict punishment for perpetrators. He also announced plans to add 75,000 new seats in the medical sector in the next five years. He further spoke about the 'Visit Bharat' campaign for a healthier nation and called for a transformation of the agricultural sector. He also made a pitch for 'one nation, one election' and urged political parties to work towards the progress of the nation.
Surat police made a major breakthrough in a drug case when they intercepted two youths riding a bike and seized mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 10.06 lakh. Following their arrests, the police also apprehended their agent and seized more drugs worth Rs 17,250. The incident brought to light the prevalence of drug trafficking in the area and sparked discussions on the "one nation, one election" proposal in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls.
In an interview with a local news outlet, outgoing Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan expressed his views on the BJP's manifesto promises leading up to the upcoming elections. He specifically addressed the issues of One Nation One Election and the Uniform Civil Code, stating that these are not feasible or applicable to India's diverse political landscape, especially for the Muslim community. He also stressed that Muslims should be allowed to follow their own religious laws, as per the Shariat, without causing any inconvenience to others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, entitled "Sankalp Patra" or "Promise Document". The manifesto includes promises for a developed and empowered India, with focuses on economic growth, infrastructural development, and social reform. These promises include implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act, enacting a Uniform Civil Code, and working towards the One Nation, One Election initiative. The BJP also vows to strengthen institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
The High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election, led by former President Ramnath Kovind, has submitted its recommendations to the President. These recommendations call for simultaneous elections across all tiers of government and propose changes to the Constitution. However, concerns have been raised by state governments, including the Tamil Nadu Assembly, that this policy goes against the principles of democracy and federalism. There is also concern that centralizing the election process could neglect local issues and dilute lower-tier representation. As the body responsible for fair elections, the Election Commission of India must consider these issues carefully.
In a media interaction, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed support for the idea of "One Nation, One Election" in Jammu and Kashmir. He also mentioned former President Ram Nath Kovind's recommendations in favor of the concept and urged the Election Commission to announce simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He further clarified that he is not a part of the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration and that the decision to announce candidates for the Lok Sabha elections rests with the National Conference. Additionally, he wished for peace and prosperity during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
During an interaction with media persons, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah expressed his hope that the Election Commission will announce simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He also addressed the issue of 'One Nation, One Election' and stated that it will only be effective if implemented in J&K. Refusing to comment on the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, Abdullah also declined to give a set date for announcing NC's candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. He ended by wishing for peace and prosperity during the holy month of Ramadan.