Delhi Confidential: ‘One nation, one election’ panel waits for a date with Election Commission

Over the years, the EC has given its views on the matter several times, including to the Law Commission, which includes the logistical requirements for holding simultaneous elections.

President Ram Nath Kovind

The high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has had a busy schedule over the past few weeks. The panel held several meetings to consult stakeholders and experts about simultaneous elections. However, the panel is yet to meet the Election Commission of India, despite having suggested a date for the meeting last month, it is learnt. The EC has sent its written submissions to the committee, but is yet to commit a date for the meeting. Over the years, the EC has given its views on the matter several times, including to the Law Commission, which includes the logistical requirements for holding simultaneous elections.

Probable, Probably

Some CPI leaders, including its general secretary D Raja, had some months ago urged Rahul Gandhi to not contest again from Wayanad in Kerala. Raja was of the view that it would be better if Rahul contested from a seat in North India against the BJP. The CPI now is discussing candidates for Lok Sabha seats in Kerala and among the probables for Wayanad is Raja’s wife Annie Raja, who is also the general secretary of National Federation of Indian Women. Raja shares good relations with Rahul and it would be interesting to see if Annie finally takes on the Congress leader.

New Assignment

India’s Ambassador to Russia Pavan Kapoor has been named as Secretary (west) in MEA, and the topmost contender for the Indian envoy’s position in Moscow is Abhay Thakur, who was India’s G20 Sous-Sherpa. Indian envoy in Vienna Jaideep Mazumdar has been named Secretary (east).

Donald Trump may replace H-1B lottery with wage-based selection process

World10 hr ago

Days after hiking the fees for new H-1B applications to $100,000, the Donald Trump administration has proposed to overhaul the visa process for high-skilled non-immigrant workers. The Trump administration has suggested a wage-based selection process for the H-1B programme, instead of the current lottery system.

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