'Power of One Nation, One Election for Viksit Bharat'
Jaipur, May 5 -- India, the world's largest democracy, is celebrated for its robust and frequent elections. Yet the constant electoral cycle presents a pressing challenge: can a nation of 1.45 billion people maintain consistent governance while being perpetually in election mode?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's renewed push for "One Nation, One Election" addresses this critical issue. It calls for reimagining India's electoral framework to better serve its long-term developmental goals.
Simultaneous elections were once standard practice in India. From 1951 to 1967, the Lok Sabha and state assemblies went to polls together. This changed due to political instability, premature dissolutions, and misuse of constitutional provisions like Article 356. Since then, frequent elections have disrupted governance and created significant administrative and financial burdens.
As India pursues its "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision, aligning political processes with developmental needs becomes essential. A high-level committee under the leadership of former President Ram Nath Kovind is evaluating the constitutional, administrative, and social aspects of this reform.
The benefits of a unified election cycle are substantial. Repeated enforcement of the model code of conduct hampers governance, delays decision-making, and shifts administrative focus away from public service. A synchronised electoral calendar would allow governments to focus fully on their mandates throughout their tenure.
The financial implications are equally significant. The 2019 general elections cost Rs.55,000 crore. Including state elections, the annual cost ranges from Rs.60,000 to Rs.70,000 crore - approximately 0.3% of India's GDP.
Estimates suggest that a single-cycle election could save nearly Rs.40,000 crore, funds that could be redirected to critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, and education.
A unified election cycle would also enhance voter participation. Migrant workers and other citizens would find it easier to engage in the democratic process. The entire country would participate in a single, nationwide electoral moment, enhancing inclusivity and legitimacy.
Administrative disruptions would be minimised. Fewer restrictions under Section 144, reduced traffic diversions, and uninterrupted commercial activity would help maintain economic stability.
The need to repeatedly deploy large numbers of security and government personnel would also decline, freeing them for other public service duties.
Globally, a stable electoral cycle would reinforce India's image as a mature, investment-ready democracy. Predictability and consistency in governance are key factors for global investors and strategic partners.
Implementing this vision will require constitutional amendments and broad political consensus. However, when approached as a national reform rather than a partisan proposal, it has the potential to transform India's democratic and governance landscape.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has advocated this idea in its manifestos since 1984, reiterating it in 2019 and 2024. Yet its merit extends beyond party lines. It is an administrative and democratic imperative that aligns with the evolving needs of a rising India.
India stands at a pivotal moment. The question is no longer whether elections should be frequent - but whether governance should be uninterrupted.
"One Nation, One Election" offers a practical, forward-looking answer. It is a vision for a more accountable, efficient, and future-ready democracy.
When a nation aligns its democratic process with its developmental aspirations, it doesn't merely vote - it advances....
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