The Union Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the Ram Nath Kovind-led panel for simultaneous elections, a key focus of the Modi government's third term. The proposal includes holding Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in the first phase, followed by local body elections within 100 days. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the government would build a nationwide consensus before drafting a Bill and bringing it to Parliament. The initiative has received widespread support from several political parties, although key opposition leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi have criticized it as impractical and damaging to federalism. The proposal includes 18 constitutional amendments, primarily not requiring state ratification, and aims to save resources and enhance democratic accountability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that frequent elections hinder development and has urged political parties to support the initiative.