Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the benefits of the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) initiative on Thursday, describing it as a “positive thought” that would allow India to focus more effectively on development by reducing the frequency of elections. Speaking at the India Economic Conclave organized by Times Now, Vaishnaw elaborated on the advantages of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
“There is nothing wrong about it. It is a very positive thought and it is very good for the country,” said Vaishnaw, who also serves as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
Cabinet Approval and Legislative Process
The Union Cabinet recently approved a bill to facilitate the implementation of ONOE. While Vaishnaw did not confirm whether the bill would be introduced during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, he noted that the BJP had clearly outlined its commitment to ONOE in its election manifesto.
“When the bill comes, you will come to know,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to prioritize nation-building over prolonged election cycles.
A Clear Path for Progress
“Why should the country waste so much time in conducting elections when the time for building our nation is the most important priority?” Vaishnaw questioned. He underscored the need for India to focus on its developmental goals for the next 10-15 years without frequent electoral disruptions.
Historical Context and Expert Views
Vaishnaw highlighted that since 1983, there have been 26 instances where the Law Commission, parliamentary committees, or the Election Commission of India have spoken in favor of simultaneous polls. He also mentioned a report on ONOE by a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which incorporated input from a broad range of stakeholders.
The minister’s comments underscore the government’s intention to advance the ONOE initiative as a transformative step for governance and development in India.
