Shivraj Singh Chouhan Urges Seers to Highlight Benefits of ‘One Nation, One Election’
Union minister says simultaneous polls could reduce election-related costs and free administrative resources for development work.
HARIDWAR, Aug 23: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday urged seers and religious leaders to create public awareness about the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ reform, saying simultaneous elections would serve the country’s broader interests.
Addressing a gathering of religious leaders in Haridwar, Chouhan said the initiative associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not be viewed through a political lens. He appealed to seers to explain its potential benefits to people through sermons and their wider social influence.
Chouhan argued that frequent elections affect the functioning of government departments because administrative officials, teachers, police personnel and security forces are repeatedly assigned election related duties.
According to the Union minister, conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections together could reduce expenditure, save time and ease the burden on government machinery. The resources saved, he said, could instead be directed towards development and public welfare.
Chouhan stresses national unity
Chouhan also referred to ‘Vande Mataram’ as an important symbol of patriotism and national unity. He urged religious leaders to spread awareness about its complete version and emphasised the importance of preserving the country’s unity.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who also attended the gathering, backed the proposal and said simultaneous elections could help reduce the financial burden associated with repeated polls.
Ramdev highlights impact of frequent elections
Yoga guru Ramdev said elections are held continuously in different parts of the country, affecting the implementation of development programmes as well as the education system.
He suggested that the prolonged electoral cycle places additional demands on government institutions and personnel.
Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad chief Mahant Ravindra Puri recalled that Lok Sabha and state assembly elections were conducted simultaneously during the early decades after Independence.
He said the election schedules gradually became separated because of various political and constitutional developments, resulting in different terms for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha.
Puri said the Akhara Parishad and the wider community of seers support the proposal, describing it as an issue concerning the national interest.
The renewed appeal comes amid the government’s efforts to build wider public and political support for synchronising elections across the country.
