The last round of simultaneous state and central government elections was in 1967 (File). New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has cleared the ‘one nation, one election‘ proposal that will eventually see simultaneous voting for state and union governments, as well as urban bodies or panchayats. The Cabinet on Wednesday accepted the report of the panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind that said there is “unanimous” support for the ‘one nation, one election’ idea. The BJP has firmly backed the proposal, saying it saves time and money, but nearly two dozen parties, led by the Congress, have argued it is impractical and unnecessary. What Is ‘One Nation, One Election’? Simply put, it means Lok Sabha, Assembly, and local body (urban or rural) elections will be held in the same year, if not at the same time. This was the norm from independence to 1967; four electoral cycles were held in that period, beginning with the first general election in 1951/52. But this was the practice only thrice more – for the 1957, 1962, and …