Ram Nath Kovind, leading the committee investigating the feasibility of “one nation, one election,” underscores the intrinsic value of simultaneous polls, affirming its alignment with national interests, devoid of partisan agendas.
Expressing the broader benefits, Kovind emphasized that simultaneous elections serve the public interest by redirecting saved revenue towards developmental projects. “Holding simultaneous elections will be beneficial for the public as the revenue saved will be used for development work,” he iterated during a recent statement to reporters, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of this proposal.
Asserting that the initiative transcends political affiliations, Kovind appealed to all political parties for collaboration, emphasizing its collective national significance. “I am requesting all the political parties to cooperate as this is in the national interest. No political party has got anything to do with it,” he emphasized.
The high-level committee, constituted by the government earlier this year and chaired by Kovind, aims to explore the revival of the ‘one nation, one election’ tradition in the country. Kovind highlighted the involvement of various key entities like parliamentary committees, Niti Aayog, and the Election Commission of India, all advocating for the reinstatement of this practice.
Addressing concerns of bias towards any particular party, Kovind emphasized that if implemented, the benefits of simultaneous elections would transcend party lines, benefiting the nation at large. He stressed, “There is no discrimination; the party in power at the Centre will not be the sole beneficiary.”
The committee’s first meeting in September outlined its roadmap, inviting suggestions from recognized national and state parties, parliament representatives, and other state-level parties, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on the issue. Kovind also highlighted the invitation extended to the Law Commission of India to provide valuable insights into this matter.
The government’s seriousness towards this initiative, underlined by assigning Kovind to lead the inquiry, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent advocacy for simultaneous elections. As discussions progress, the focus remains on fostering a robust electoral framework that serves the nation’s collective interests.
Sources By Agencies
