New Delhi [India], July 1 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that 'One Nation, One Election' is a vital component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. He described it not just as a slogan, but as a national approach toward building a strong and coordinated democracy, according to an official release.
CM Saini said the Haryana government supports the initiative in principle, adding that its effective implementation would bring multi-dimensional benefits to the country.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee held in New Chandigarh on Monday. The Committee is currently on a study tour regarding the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territory Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Committee Chairman, MP P. P. Chaudhary, along with several other members, was present on the occasion.
Speaking at the meeting, Saini said the implementation of 'One Nation, One Election' would bring significant reforms to India’s democratic system.
He noted that frequent elections hinder development work, as the administrative machinery remains occupied with the election process, which directly affects the general public. Citing Haryana as an example, he said the state had witnessed three major elections within a year: the Lok Sabha elections from March to June 2024, the Assembly elections from August to October, and the Municipal elections from February to March 2025.
He said the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct during these elections disrupted the pace of development.
'The administration was preoccupied with election duties, and the public had to bear the consequences. Moreover, the expenditure incurred on elections is also very high,' said the Chief Minister.
He added that 'One Nation, One Election' would not only save resources but also reflect the sentiment among the people that elections should be held simultaneously to prevent wastage of time and money. This would, in turn, boost public participation in the democratic process. He said the initiative deserved unanimous support.
Saini suggested that socio-cultural factors such as agricultural seasons, festivals, wedding seasons, and public holidays should be considered when determining election dates to ensure maximum voter turnout.
The Chief Minister said frequent elections diminish voter enthusiasm, thereby affecting turnout. Holding elections once every five years would rekindle voter interest, strengthen democracy, and enhance citizen participation.
He further stated that 'One Nation, One Election' would enable simultaneous polls for both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
'This would ensure uniformity in voter awareness campaigns, better coordination in administrative preparations, and optimal use of resources,' said the Chief Minister.
The meeting was attended by members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, including Bhartruhari Mahtab, E. T. Mohammed Basheer, Vijay Kumar Hansdak, Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy, Ghanshyam Tiwari, P. Wilson, Chandan Chauhan, Manish Tewari, Anil Yeshwant Desai, Dr K. Laxman, Saket Gokhale, Bansuri Swaraj, and Chhotelal. BJP State President Mohan Lal Kaushik, Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana Pankaj Agarwal, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
(ANI)