Shivraj Chouhan Bats for ‘One Nation, One Election’ as Key to Developed India

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th Jan. Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday advocated for the implementation of ‘One Nation, One Election,’ calling it a landmark step towards achieving the goal of a developed India or ‘Viksit Bharat.’ Speaking at an event organized by Panchjanya, a magazine linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Chouhan urged citizens and organizations to support the initiative.

Chouhan highlighted how frequent elections disrupt governance and hinder decision-making in public interest. “The entire government machinery comes to a halt during elections. At present, elections are happening almost all the time, which prevents political parties and ministers from focusing on governance,” he said, citing his own experience during last year’s Jharkhand Assembly polls.

The minister also emphasized that simultaneous elections would save time, resources, and energy. “Continuous elections are a major barrier to India’s development. This is an appropriate step given the current scenario,” he added.

Historical Context and Challenges
Chouhan pointed out that simultaneous elections were a norm until 1968, when political instability began disrupting the cycle. “The framers of our Constitution envisioned elections every five years, but the misuse of Article 356 to topple governments disrupted this system,” he noted.

Opposition to the Proposal
Responding to criticism from various political parties, Chouhan appealed for consensus, asserting that the move is in national interest. “Any patriot who thinks about the country’s progress will support this initiative. Continuous elections have become a disaster for the nation,” he remarked.

Chouhan also dismissed concerns about voter behavior, citing Odisha as an example where people voted differently in Lok Sabha and state assembly polls conducted simultaneously.

BJP Confident About Delhi Elections
On the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, Chouhan expressed optimism, asserting that the BJP would secure victory this time.

The proposal for simultaneous elections, currently under review by a joint parliamentary committee, continues to generate intense debate, with its advocates highlighting its efficiency and detractors questioning its feasibility.