Simultaneous polls will cut costs, improve governance: ONOE panel
The BJP-formed committee advocating for ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) has intensified efforts to generate public support for simultaneous elections across India.
By engaging with business leaders, doctors, educationists, social organisations, farmers and students, the committee is working to build consensus on the benefits of synchronised elections.
Madan Mohan Chhabra, state co-convener of the committee, said, "Under ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections could be held simultaneously across the country. This would eliminate frequent elections and significantly reduce financial burden. Elections occur in some state or another every year, which affects administrative and policy decisions while also putting a strain on the national treasury. The same funds could be better utilised for national development."
He further emphasised that frequent elections engage officials from non-poll-bound states in electoral duties, disrupting governance. "Not just officials from the election-bound state, but also those deployed as observers from other states get occupied with election-related work, impacting administration. Similarly, political leaders and ministers are drawn into campaigns, hampering policy-making in their respective states," he added.
Chhabra highlighted Haryana’s experience of holding three elections — Lok Sabha, Assembly, and civic body polls — within a year. He noted that the civic body election saw very low voter turnout. "It appears that repeated elections have led to voter fatigue, with people losing interest in exercising their franchise. This is not a positive trend for democracy."
After holding ONOE meetings in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Yamunanagar and Faridabad, Chhabra said, "ONOE is also beneficial for political parties as it saves significant costs incurred on promotional activities and rallies. Our committee has been actively making people aware of the concept and its benefits, and we’ve received a positive response, especially from the youth. We are also being invited by various organisations to address their queries."
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rohit Jain criticised the initiative, stating, "The BJP is trying to gain an advantage when the country lacks the necessary infrastructure for such a major change. In Haryana, there was an opportunity to hold simultaneous elections, but the BJP didn’t implement it. Opposition parties and voters are losing faith in the electoral system, which contributed to lower turnout in recent polls. Before pushing for such a change, the government must first restore public trust in the system and the Election Commission."
