Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 12: Tarun Chugh, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed his approval of the Union Cabinet’s historic decision to implement the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) initiative, calling it a pivotal advancement for enhancing India’s democracy and governance.
Chugh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary approach in leading this reform aimed at synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local governing bodies nationwide. He noted that ONOE would simplify the electoral process, alleviate financial and administrative pressures, and encourage greater public involvement.
“One Nation, One Election is a revolutionary initiative that embodies Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to establishing a more effective and participatory democracy. By unifying electoral schedules, we will conserve substantial resources and minimize the interruptions caused by frequent elections,” Chugh asserted.
He pointed out that India previously conducted simultaneous elections from 1952 to 1967, and by reintroducing ONOE, the nation is making a significant move toward a more stable governance structure and promoting increased democratic engagement.
Chugh also emphasized the potential financial savings associated with ONOE, estimating that conducting simultaneous elections could significantly cut the Rs 60,000 crore expended by political parties and the Rs 10,000 crore incurred by the Government every five years. These funds could instead be redirected to developmental programs that directly benefit the populace.
Referring to ONOE as a groundbreaking reform, Chugh remarked, “This initiative will transform India’s democracy into not just the largest but also the most efficient in the world. It signifies the dawn of a new era in governance and accountability.”
