New Delhi, January 14, 2025 : Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has strongly advocated for the implementation of simultaneous elections in India, calling it a necessary step to ensure better governance and uninterrupted development. Speaking at the 78th anniversary of Panchjanya during the “Baat Bharat Ki Ashtayam” program, Chouhan highlighted the need to end the perpetual cycle of elections, which he said hampers the nation’s progress and drains resources.
Chouhan recalled how India’s Constitution makers originally envisioned elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to be held simultaneously at fixed five-year intervals. This system, which functioned effectively until 1967, was disrupted by the frequent misuse of Article 356, leading to the premature dissolution of state governments. Since then, elections in the country have become a year-round affair, with one poll following another, often overlapping and consuming administrative, financial, and political resources.
The minister pointed to recent examples, including the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, held just months before the Lok Sabha elections. He noted that the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct during these elections brought development work to a standstill. Administrative machinery, including officers, teachers, and police personnel, was diverted from their primary duties to manage the electoral process, delaying critical governance and disrupting essential services.
Chouhan also raised concerns about the economic burden of frequent elections. He emphasized that the funds spent on organizing repeated polls could be better utilized for public welfare projects. The constant election cycle, he added, forces political leaders to focus more on campaigning than on policymaking and governance, leaving little room to address long-term development goals.
The minister stressed that simultaneous elections would bring stability to the political landscape and allow governments to function efficiently. He urged policymakers to revisit the vision of the Constitution’s framers, who had intended for elections to be conducted in a well-structured, synchronized manner every five years. According to him, such a system would not only streamline governance but also ensure that public resources and attention are directed toward development rather than being consumed by electoral processes.
Chouhan’s remarks come at a time when the debate over “One Nation, One Election” is gaining momentum across political and academic circles. His call for action underscores the growing consensus that electoral reform is essential for India to achieve its developmental aspirations without unnecessary interruptions.
Today we are celebrating the 78th anniversary of Panchajanya. We are discussing eight major dimensions here and will continue such events and discussions in the future as well, added Mr. Hitesh Shankar, Editor, Panchajanya.
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