Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur on Monday hailed the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill as a "transformative, visionary, and historic" step, reiterating the Modi government's commitment to comprehensive reform and efficient governance.
Speaking to the media, Thakur emphasised that the simultaneous conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections would streamline India’s democratic processes, reduce expenditure, and minimise administrative disruptions.
"The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill is transformative, visionary and historic. PM Modi's government believes in reform, performance and change," said the senior BJP leader.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for India’s rapid pace of development, stating that major governance shifts like ‘One Nation, One Election’ were instrumental in building a more robust and efficient democracy.
"If the country is developing at such a fast pace today, it is only due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative and the work of his government. 'One Nation-One Election' is also in the same direction," he added.
Thakur further pointed out the tangible benefits of synchronising elections, stressing the economic and administrative costs incurred during frequent polls.
"If the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are held simultaneously in the country, time will be saved, money will be saved, and the code of conduct will be in force for a shorter period. Lakhs and crores of rupees of the country will be saved."
Invoking history, Thakur noted that India had a common electoral cycle between 1952 and 1967, but disruptions largely caused by the Congress party led to the staggered election system in place today.
"This is not the first time. There was a 'One Nation, One Election' from 1952 to 1967, but Congress repeatedly toppled governments or fell for other reasons, so the elections became isolated," he said.
Asserting the proposal's national significance, Thakur concluded: "If there is 'One Nation, One Election', it will be in the national interest and it will benefit the country."
