'Nation Has To Come Forward...': PM Modi Highlights Need For 'One Nation, One Election'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the need of ‘One Nation, One Election’ saying that the multiple and frequent elections create obstacles in the development and progress of the country.

While addressing the nation on 78th Independence Day from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi, the prime minister said, “Frequent elections in the country are creating obstacles in country’s progress. Today, it has become a norm of linking any developmental scheme with election as there are elections happening every three or six months.”

He further emphasised that extensive consultations have been held across the country on the issue and all political parties have given their views while a committee has submitted an excellent report. PM Modi urged everyone to come together to achieve the goal of ‘one nation, one election’, saying that having simultaneous elections across the country enhances political stability and administrative effectiveness.

The prime minister urged political parties “from the Red Fort and with the national tricolour as a witness to ensure the nation’s progress”. He also asked the parties to ensure that “national resources are used for the common man. We have to come forward to realise the dream of one nation one election”.

PM Modi further emphasised on engaging more youths in active politics, saying that it will help the nation overcome the dynastic politics. He said, “We need to bring one lakh fresh talent into the field of politics, who do not have anybody in their family in politics ever/ These youth will change the definition of politics in the times to come. They will help us overcome dynastic politics in the country.”

A committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind had earlier submitted a report on the government’s ‘One Nation, One Election’ push – which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.

The panel – set up in September 2023 – has since studied “best practices from other countries”, consulted 39 political parties, economists, and the Election Commission of India. It said today it backs the idea, but calls for a legally sustainable mechanism that can break and re-align existing electoral cycles.

The report revealed that of the 21,558 public responses received by the committee, more than 80 per cent (17,342) support the idea of holding simultaneous elections in India. Only 4,216 responses opposed the idea.