Frequent elections burden system, says Chouhan

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chohan on Tuesday led the party’s pan-India public outreach campaign on “One Nation, One Election” in Karnal and exhorted people to support the initiative.

Highlighting the inefficiencies caused by frequent elections in the country, he said, “Simultaneous elections are crucial for the country’s development. The recurring electoral cycles stall growth, delay policy implementation, and drain both financial and human resources.”

He was addressing a gathering at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC) organised by the local unit of the Indian Medical Association and team members of “ONOE” committee.

The Karnal MC, led by Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, handed over a copy of the resolution, supporting the ONOE. Chouhan said, “Political parties stay in campaign mode year-round. This halts administrative work due to frequent imposition of the code of conduct, and burdens the system.”

“ONOE will be implemented. It is not a political move, but a national need for efficient governance and growth,” said BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli.

'Rahul mustn't criticise country abroad'

Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the US on the Election Commission, Chouhan said, “I believe that no Indian citizen should criticise their country while abroad. I once visited America when Dr Manmohan Singh was the PM. I was asked whether the Indian Prime Minister is an underachiever. I replied that the PM of India can never be an underachiever — he is our leader, and every Indian should have this sense of pride. There are many platforms available for politics, but such comments should not be made on foreign soil.”