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| Idea Is Back | | | Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and the veteran politician Ghulam Nabi Azad has once again supported the idea of ‘one nation, one election.’
He has claimed that the proposal of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be in the interest of the country, will save time, improve governance and expedite development.
Azad said that he has been a supporter of simultaneous polls since 1983, when the Indira Gandhi government was in power. His long-standing stance highlights the fact that the debate over simultaneous elections is not limited to one political era or party; rather, it reflects a broader concern about the efficiency of India’s electoral system.
The idea was renewed in 2023 when the government constituted former president Ram Nath Kovind led committee to explore the suggestion of one nation, one election. Its primary objective was to explore the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
It solicited extensive public and political feedback, and consulted with experts to analyse the potential benefits and challenges associated with this proposed electoral reform.
This report presented a detailed overview of the committee’s findings, its recommendations for constitutional amendments, and the anticipated impact of simultaneous elections on governance, resources, and public sentiment.
India today witnesses elections somewhere in the country almost every few months. Whether it is the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, or local bodies, the continuous election cycle places enormous pressure on administrative machinery, political leadership, and financial resources. Government officials are frequently diverted to election duties, development works slow down due to the Model Code of Conduct, and political discourse often remains trapped in campaign rhetoric rather than long-term policy thinking.
Supporters of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal argue that synchronising elections could address many of these issues. Conducting polls simultaneously would significantly reduce the massive expenditure associated with repeated election campaigns and logistics. Political parties, the Election Commission, and the government would all benefit from more efficient use of resources. More importantly, governance could proceed without frequent interruptions caused by election-related restrictions.
The renewed support from leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad demonstrates that the idea continues to find resonance across political lines. As India grows into a larger and more complex democracy, electoral reforms that enhance governance and reduce unnecessary expenditure deserve thoughtful debate. |
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